Finding the Therapist That is Right for You
Finding the Therapist That is Right for You
You’re at that moment when you’ve decided that it’s time to go to therapy. You even opened up Google and typed in Therapists near me and found more results than marshmallows in Lucky Charms. Suddenly it hits you, you have no idea how to pick the therapist that is right for you. Does it matter? Aren’t all therapists the same?
Are all doctors the same? Anyone who has watched Scrubs can tell you that there is a rainbow of doctors. Just like doctors, therapist come in all shapes, sizes, and specialties. With so many options, how do you pick the one that is the best fit for you and your needs?
Shopping Around
Finding a therapist is like buying a house. When you’re looking for a new place to live you have a general idea of things you want in a home. You use that type as a springboard for what you are looking for. When looking for a therapist, take a moment to think about what your “type” is.
Somethings you will have an instinct for. Look at their websites to get a vibe for what they’re like. Look at their pictures. You don’t need a runway model for a therapist, but you do need to see if you can feel comfortable with that person. If their website focuses more on their hobbies than their practice, then you may want to pass. As you look at their information, ask yourself, “ is this someone I can be vulnerable with?”
Ask Around
Think of the last time you found a new home. How did you find it? Was it through a realtor? Maybe friends set you up. Friends can be a great resource. Ask them who they go to, if they like them, and why. You’ll be surprised at how many people go to therapist that they don’t like. Ask your friends for a referral list from their therapist. Often therapists know other therapists and have an inside scoop on who’s good and who’s not.
Specialty
If you love to cook, you probably won’t settle for a home with a tiny kitchen. With your therapist, if you want to focus on adjusting to parenthood, then you probably don’t want a therapist who specializes in drug abuse recovery. Once you know what you want help with, look for therapists that specialize in that particular aspect. Every therapist should be competent in treating depression and anxiety as they are the most common, but unlike a medical specialty, this is not regulated in the counseling fields and therapist need only to check a box to declare their specialty. If someone has a dozen “specialties” listed, they’re probably more of a generalist and like to see a lot of different kinds of clients. If they do declare a specialty, their website should clearly state that and give you a feel for what their experience with treating that issue is really like.
Credentials
In Colorado you can register as an unlicensed psychotherapist. That means that just about anybody can call themselves a therapist. I highly recommend checking that your therapist has an active license. This ensures that they’ve received proper training and supervision. It also makes them accountable to specific regulatory boards and codes of ethics. Don’t be shy to find out if they have a current license. You can also check the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to see if they have an active license.
There are many different professions within the mental health field, and each one may provide something slightly different. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about that crazy alphabet soup after everyone’s names. Knowing what those letters mean can help you narrow down the field.
- Psychiatrist (MD, DO, PsyMD) These guys have gone to medical school and can prescribe medication.
- Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, LCP) This means that they have a doctorate degree (4 years post grad). They can do talk therapy as well as assessments/testing.
- Therapist/Counselor (LPC, LCSW, LSW, LMFT) This is a masters degree level therapist. They are licensed with the state as such. The training might be a little different between each
- LPCC-They have their masters degree and are working towards licensure (minimum 2 years after finishing grad degree).
- Registered Unlicensed Psychotherapist (NLC) These therapists should still be registered with the State, but do not need any training or certification of their therapeutic skills-so be aware.
- Life Coach Also does not have formal training, but has clear boundaries and will not go into deeper therapeutic issues, such as trauma, addictions, etc.
Call Them
It’s hard to know if a therapist is right for you if you don’t call them. Before calling, write down questions that you want to ask. Ask about their schooling and their license. Talk to them briefly with what you are struggling with and follow up with how they are treating this problem.
While they are talking to you, pay attention to how well they are listening to you. They should be a good listener. Is their style meshing well with what you are looking for? Do you want someone who will let you vent or someone who will provide feedback and coping techniques? Your relationship with your therapist can greatly influence how effective each session is, so it’s important to find the right person for you.
Getting Started
Don’t panic if your first session is awkward. It’s hard to be vulnerable to someone you just met. The first session, also known as an intake session, is often more structured as the therapist gets to know you. This is also a softer way to ease into telling your story and working through your issues. You should feel like they listened to you and comfortable as the session progresses. If they don’t ask about something that is important to you-tell them! This feedback will help you get on the right track early on. If the therapist is talking too much or not enough-tell them! Each client is different and the more you’re able to articulate your needs, the more you’ll get out of your sessions.
Progress
After a few sessions with them, you should notice some progress. If you’re not making progress, let the therapist know and see if they can try some different techniques. If that doesn’t work, or if you just don’t seem to click with your therapist, then maybe that therapist is not right for you. Don’t be shy about talking to your therapist about your concerns and ask them for referrals.
Am I the right therapist for you? Call me and set up your consultation today!
