What to Look for in a Therapist
Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult. I often tell my family, friends, and even clients that finding a therapist and making a first appointment is, at times, the biggest hurdle to starting counseling. So if you find yourself reading this because you’re on the hunt for a therapist - Congratulations, you are taking the first step!
Now, you might be asking yourself, “What do I even look for in a therapist?” I hope this post will help guide you towards finding the answer to that question.
Safety & Trust - The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a counselor is safety and trust. Look for someone who makes you feel safe and like you can trust them when you are sharing your story. Counseling can bring up a lot of different emotions so it’s important to find a therapist who you are comfortable feeling the wide range of emotions with.
Rapport and Care - Therapists should take the time to build rapport with you and express genuine care in what you have to share. This can take time, but you should feel a connection to your counselor even in the first session. Your counselor should be authentic, empathetic, and curious about you, your life, and the things you share. If you don’t feel like you connect with your therapist or you aren’t feeling cared for in the way that you need, perhaps it isn’t the right fit. Don’t become discouraged - the right fit is out there, just keep looking!
Competencies and Ethics - Any counselor should be ethical and competent in the services they are providing. It is impossible for every therapist to be competent in every aspect of treatment, so find a therapist that is competent in working with what you are bringing into session. Counselors should also adhere to ethical guidelines of their profession and state. Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist about their areas of interest, specializations, trainings, and educational background.
Scheduling & Payment - When looking for a counselor it is important to find someone who offers session times that work with your schedule. Consistency is best. Look for a counselor who can provide you consistent appointment times that work with your schedule. If the schedule doesn’t work, it’s going to be hard to show up to session! It’s also important to find a counselor that either takes your insurance or offers a cash-pay rate that you can afford.
Some Questions You Might Ask:
What is your counseling style or theoretical orientation?
What issues do you specialize in working with?
What credentials, trainings, or experience do you have?
Do you accept insurance?
What is your cash-pay rate? Do you offer a sliding-fee scale?
What times and days of the week do you offer sessions?
