Finding the Right Counselor
In previous blog post, we discussed challenges one may have with taking steps towards change. Maybe this was you for the longest time and you are at a point where you are ready to make that change but are in need of a little extra assistance from a counselor. That is okay! We are here to help and guide one making these changes. This step can be intimidating. Many questions may be going through your mind such as "where do I even look?" or "how do I know if the counselor is a good fit for me?". Let's look at some ways to assist with determining if the counselor or therapist you are looking at is a good fit for you.
First, take time to determine what your overall area of need is. Once you can discover this, you can take more steps in your research process to determine if their therapist is a good fit for you. Maybe you're struggling with anxiety or depression, taking time to see any training or experience this therapist may have in this area is a good first step to see if they will fit well with you. Next, take time to decide how you want to partake in therapy. Are you looking to meet with someone in person or are you looking for a virtual option? This is an important factor in discovering who you are seeing.
On top of specialties and proximity there are many other things to look at when deciding if the therapist is a good fit for you. One phrase to think of in the intake process is "shopping for the perfect fit". This sounds so incredibly strange when thinking of gaining mental health assistance. Let's think of it this way. If you're looking for a new pair of shoes, you are likely not going to buy them if they are too small or too big. You want to make sure they are a good fit for you and your overall comfort. The same goes for a therapist. If you're feeling uncomfortable with a therapist or like you're not connecting, it is okay to "shop around" for one that you feel as though you can connect with. In fact, this is one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process.
Lastly, ask questions and express any fears or concerns you may have for this process. It is okay to be overwhelmed by the thought of beginning therapy. The more vulnerable you are and the more questions you ask, the more comfort you can gain with the idea of beginning these services. As therapists, we are here to help our clients to the best of our abilities. Part of this is gaining trust and rapport. Don't be afraid to speak up and remember you can never ask too many questions when it comes to taking steps towards growth and change.
