10 Steps to How to Know You’ve Picked the Right Therapist

So you’ve started the journey to improving your mental health by deciding to find the help you’ve been feeling you need.  But now you’re asking yourself, “How am I supposed to pick THE therapist I would like to work with?” and then possibly “Who is the right fit for me?”.  Well, you’re certainly not the first and only person to ask these questions and that is what we aim to help with today.  Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective mental health care. The right match can make a significant difference in your therapy experience and outcomes. Oftentimes we overlook the significance of CONNECTION.  Thankfully with technology, we can use many different platforms to preview “profiles” giving us some sort of expectation on who it is we will be meeting with.  It’s certainly become our new way of ‘Vetting’ someone. But what happens once we’ve chosen and are sitting across from that person?  What comes next?  Here are some key steps we’ve put together to ensure you’ve chosen the right therapist for your needs:

10 Steps to How to Know You’ve Picked the Right Therapist

1. Identify Your Needs

Before you start your search, it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for in therapy. Are you seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or another concern? Knowing your specific needs can guide you to therapists who specialize in those areas.  Requesting a phone consultation to further get to know the therapist before scheduling a session or inquiring about areas they are passionate about may be helpful too!

2. Research Potential Therapists

Look for therapists who have experience and training in your areas of concern. You can find information on therapists through online directories, professional organizations, and recommendations from friends or healthcare providers. Check their credentials, years of experience, and areas of expertise.

3. Evaluate Their Communication Style

A good therapist should be someone you feel comfortable talking to. During your initial consultation, pay attention to how they communicate. Are they empathetic, attentive, and respectful? Do they ask insightful questions and make you feel heard? Effective communication is a cornerstone of a successful therapeutic relationship.  Essentially, we each have specific cues we pick up on which make us feel more connected with some people than with others.

4. Consider Their Approach to Therapy

Therapists use different approaches and techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Humanistic Therapy, amongst many. Understanding their approach can help you decide if it aligns with your preferences and expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask about their methods and how they tailor their approach to individual clients!

5. Assess Your Comfort Level

Trust your gut feeling after the first few sessions. Do you feel a sense of trust and safety with your therapist? Are you comfortable sharing personal information and discussing difficult topics? While it does take time to build, a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for progress, so ensure you feel comfortable and supported. 

6. Check for Progress

After a few sessions, evaluate if you’re making progress. Are you gaining insights, developing coping strategies, or noticing changes in your thoughts and behaviors? While progress can take time, you should feel that your therapy is moving in a positive direction.

7. Seek Feedback

Discuss your feelings about the therapy with your therapist. A good therapist will welcome your feedback and be open to adjusting their approach to better meet your needs. They should be willing to collaborate with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sessions.

8. Consider Practicalities

Logistics matter. Ensure your therapist’s location, availability, and fees fit within your practical constraints. Consistency is key in therapy, so finding someone whose schedule aligns with yours and whose fees are within your budget is important for maintaining regular sessions.

9. Reflect on the Therapeutic Relationship

The therapeutic relationship is a unique and important factor in the effectiveness of therapy. Reflect on whether you feel understood and respected. A strong, positive therapeutic relationship can significantly enhance your therapy experience.

10. Be Open to Change

It’s okay to change therapists if you feel you’re not getting what you need. Finding the right fit can take time, and it’s important to prioritize your mental health. First, we recommend you have a conversation with your current therapist, as mentioned in tip 7. If things don’t change, don’t hesitate to seek a different therapist who might be a better match.

Finding the right therapist is a journey that requires patience and self-awareness. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a therapist who meets your needs and supports your mental health journey effectively. Remember, the goal is to find a therapeutic relationship that fosters growth, healing, and positive change.  For more resources like this, please check out our other tips here: https://www.plantationcounseling.com/blog. You can always find us at 954-903-1676 for counseling services.