Tips on Finding the Best Therapist for You!

Considering therapy? Have a long list of therapists around your area but are not sure where to begin? Finding a therapist that is the right fit for you can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Especially when most therapists on that list have limited availability or when they are not in network with your insurance plan.

Research has shown that the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist impacts your growth both in therapy and in your personal life. That is why it is very important for you to find a therapist that is the right fit for you.

Therapy is not a one size fits all. Below are some tips on what questions to ask therapists when you schedule a consultation.

1. Style of therapy

Therapy is not a one size shoe fits all type of deal. Different therapists use different approaches when it comes to therapy. For example, some approaches include Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Psychodynamic Therapy, or Humanistic Therapy. Of course, there's more approaches. Take some time to do some research on the particular approach and see if it makes sense for you. I always tell my client, you will get an "aha" moment when the right therapist explains how they approach issues similar to yours.

This is not to say one is better than the other, rather this is the lens in which the therapist approaches the issues that you are bringing to therapy. Ask your therapist to explain further what their approach looks like when you begin therapy with them.

2. Experience

It is important for you to ask the therapist what experiences they have when it comes to working with someone with similar issues. This is a great way to ensure that you and your therapist are on the same page when it comes to navigating through the issues that are bringing you to therapy.

3. How long they have been in practice

If work experience is important to you, ask your therapist how long they have been practicing therapy. The beauty of learning is that there is always something new to learn to help us grow. As therapists, we also learn from our clients no matter how many years we have been practicing. No one client is the same.

4. Specialty

This is one of the most important questions because you want to make sure that the therapist specializes in working with client who have similar concerns as you. Having a therapist who specializes in the issues that you are bringing means that the therapist has dealt with similar clients before. It also means that the therapist has appropriate tools that have been helpful for clients similar to you.

5. Fees and Insurance

If you are seeking services using insurance, make sure you ask if the therapist is in network with your insurance. If you are paying out of pocket, be sure to clarify on the fees per session. Some therapists offer sliding scale and therefore do not be afraid to ask. Depending on the therapist, most therapists base this on your proof of income.

6. Schedule availability

Be sure that your availability matches with the therapist. You are taking time out of your schedule to seek therapy but you also do not need to inconvenience yourself. Be intentional and schedule a time that works for your schedule and lifestyle.

The bottom line is that taking care of your mental health is important and you want to do so by working with someone who is the right fit for you. Someone who is able to support you in reaching your emotional and mental goals.