How to Find the Right Therapist for You
Finding the right therapist for you takes intentional work at the forefront, but putting in that intentionality helps set you up for a strong, successful relationship with the therapist you choose.
When you find the right therapist for you, so many puzzle pieces click into place that make you feel supported in your healing journey.
When you find the right therapist you find a confidant you can rely on, you find a trusted safeguard, and you find a connection to the right resources to support your holistic wellbeing. When you find the right therapist, you find someone who deeply cares for you.
But, finding the right therapist for you isn’t as simple as a Google search. When you’re searching for a therapist or counselor, you’re looking for more than credentials - you’re searching for someone you can connect with on a deeper level, someone who’s style, approach and even personality connect well with yours.
How to Begin Your Search for a Therapist
Your first step in your search for a therapist begins with a deep dive into your own goals, needs and expectations when it comes to therapy. Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, intentions, and what you want to receive in a therapeutic relationship, you’re ready to begin your search.
You can begin your search by seeking recommendations from friends and family or by researching therapists in your area. You’re looking for licensed professionals who have experience helping people overcome your unique challenges, credentials and appropriate licenses in your state, and an approach that feels aligned with your values.
Once you have a list of therapists you’d like to interview, you can schedule a consultation. These are usually conducted virtually or over the phone and allow you the opportunity to ask the therapist questions, chat with them, and get a deeper feel for what it would be like to work with them.
Remember, a consultation is not a commitment! At this point in your search, you are researching and interviewing so you make the best decision for you.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Therapist
New growth, new ways of living, new coping mechanisms and new goals exist outside of where we currently are - they exist outside of our comfort zones. The right therapist for you will support you as you navigate that growth, which at times can feel overwhelming. With the right therapist at your side, you can grow with confidence and trust in this safe space.
What creates a safe space for you? What are you looking for in a therapist to help you feel safe? You’re looking for someone you can trust, someone who’s approach is in alignment with your goals, and you’re looking for someone you can connect with on an individual or personal level.
Your best growth will happen when you enter into a therapeutic alliance with your therapist - what does that mean? A therapeutic alliance describes the special bond built on safety, trust, mutual respect and positive feelings both you and your therapist have for each other.
A strong therapeutic alliance will give you a foundational feeling of safety and security, allowing you to open up fully to your therapist and receive the absolute most you can from the relationship and your therapy experience.
The American Psychological Association suggests asking some of these questions, which you can tailor to your own search:
How many years have you been in practice?
Communicate your goals for therapy - what are their thoughts?
How much experience do you have working with people who are dealing with my issue?
What kinds of treatments have you found effective for people like me who are dealing with my issue?
Following your interview, journal through the questions below or simply take mental notes concerning the following:
What are your gut feelings, or initial reaction, to the therapist?
How did you feel during and after the conversation? How did the conversation go, in your opinion?
How did the therapist respond to your feelings, goals and thoughts during the conversation? How does that make you feel right now?
How confident do you feel that this therapist can help you grow toward your goals?
Do you feel safe, valued and respected when talking with them?
It can be helpful to write these feelings and observations down in a notebook so you can have these notes as you continue your search for the right provider. If you’re not a journaler, you can use a voice messaging app or recorder.
Choosing the Right Therapist for You
Remember, selecting a therapist and booking your first session is not a lifelong commitment to the provider you chose. You’re pursuing a relationship to benefit your health for as long as it promotes your healing and stays in alignment with your goals.
Before booking a session with the therapist you select, make sure the following statements feel true to you:
The provider’s approach aligns with my values and feels good to me.
I am confident in this provider’s credentials, experience and ability to help me grow.
I am looking forward to my first session with this provider.
This provider acknowledged my goals, and I feel confident they will help me work toward them.
Commit for several sessions and continue to evaluate your progress toward your goals. If you’ve written them down in a notebook or journal, do a weekly check-in to make sure you’re moving forward in alignment with your goals and unique needs.
Here at Rock Creek Counseling, we provide ongoing 1:1 virtual and telephone visits. We can use our time together to address anything you may be facing, including anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, trauma and PTSD, relationship challenges, parenting, pregnancy loss and trauma, postpartum mood disorder, infertility and family building challenges, and more.
We value a sense of belonging and confidence, so we listen deeply and aim to get to know you as you are. We prioritize collaboration - meaning, we listen to what’s most important to you and share resources to guide you in your journey. If our approach sounds in alignment with your needs and goals, we would love for you to book a consultation so we can meet you!