How to find the right therapist for you
Finding professional help is unfortunately not as easy as finding the closest mental health professional.
IDENTIFY WHAT YOU WANT
Before you begin work with a therapist, it is useful to have an idea of why you're reaching out and what your goals for therapy are. Once you have those, you can begin to ponder what modality (this is important) or qualifications you think would truly best suit you to work upon. Some examples of desired outcomes may be; healing how childhood trauma lives inside of you, learning to trust yourself, how to react better, or how to feel your feelings.
PICKING THE RIGHT SOMEONE
Begin to think about what you require from your counselor and who you want them to be. Your counselor is someone you will need to form a relationship with and will accompany you in some pretty vulnerable and scary places. Generally liking who they are as a person will make the whole process a lot brighter and I would assert, also more effective. The energy between you and them really does play a huge role in the efficacy of your healing, if they feel foreign to you or you are unable to feel safe with them, it is going to be very hard to do the work that needs to be done.
MEET THEM
Arrange a session or call with them, ask questions about the things that matter to you, and look out for any ill fits or red flags. Some things to look out for include; Do they fit your desired outcome? Is the therapist present with you throughout the entire session? Does the space feel secure and confidential? Do you feel comfortable with them? Are you comfortable with their credentials?
4. PAY ATTENTION TO HOW YOU FEEL
Pay attention to how you feel with them and how you feel when you speak to them. Are you comfortable speaking your truth? Do you feel any judgment or hesitation in their presence? Do you feel safe, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically with them?
At the end of your first consultation, you should feel heard, understood, supported, and hopeful that things can change.
If you feel you and your counselor don’t fit or you don’t feel you are making progress, shamelessly, either open up a conversation with your therapist about it, or alternatively, you can always switch to someone else.
Remember quality therapy is often uncomfortable and not always easy. A willingness to listen, reflect and give it a good go are a benchmark for a positive experience. Try to be patient but also remember this is your journey and you can change direction if you need to.
Tailah Cuman
