Finding the right therapist for your needs
Therapy is more than just a person to talk to.
Oftentimes, our therapist knows more intimate details about our lives than our loved ones. As a result, you want to make sure you are talking with someone you feel comfortable with and who meets your needs. We all recently experienced a pandemic. The realities of the pandemic changed the way we function day to day and left many of us having to face a new trauma. Folks began to seek out help, except many did not know where to begin. The stress of the pandemic also exacerbated any concerns many were already facing. We are still addressing the residual factors from our recent health crisis. Colorado was one of the places struggling the hardest and there was a surge of individuals trying to figure out what steps to take to feel some relief.
A question I have been asked is, “How do I find the right therapist?”.
While there is no definite answer to this, there are certainly ways we can approach the search to know if we are finding folks that will be better suited to help. It is important to start by looking for someone who is skilled in the areas you hope to approach. It is not necessary to know exactly what you need; however, if your concern is anxiety, search for therapists who mention this as a specialty.
Sometimes while looking for a therapist, you may not know the various techniques or modalities used, and that’s okay. It can be helpful to find a therapist who offers a consultation and is willing to talk through their modality with you so you understand their approach and the type of relationship you are likely to have.
Paying attention to what you value is also helpful in the process.
You want a therapist who considers your concerns through a lens that is comfortable for you and your way of approaching life. Consider factors such as their communication style, authenticity, and/or culture in combination with their treatment approach. This may include religion or spirituality as well. Representation matters and having a therapist who can empathize and pay attention to parts of your identity may be of significance.
It is important to know if your personality will mesh with your provider.
By having a good flow in session and personalities that complement one another, you are able to build a strong rapport that will help you to feel safe and trust the person you are sharing space with. The notion of safety can be minimized; however, when broaching difficult topics, the environment is crucial in one's willingness to explore what has truly brought you to seek out counseling.
While there is no sure way of knowing if a relationship with a counselor will be beneficial, it can be helpful to have a few ideas in mind of the type of relationship you are looking for. As with any relationship, it is important to feel as though you are safe and validated. Therapy is no different. When speaking with someone, it is okay to check in and see how they can benefit you. You may want to talk with a few folks to gather more information to compare. Yet, the hardest part remains in beginning the process of searching.
This article was written by Anastasia Mitchell. Learn more about her by clicking the link below.
Our therapists can help and are ready to jump in when you are.
