How To Find The Right Therapist & What To Look Out For

Oct 17

Finding the right person to speak to every week about life’s challenges is crucial and honestly one of the key elements that makes therapy successful.

If you are not completely comfortable with your therapist or don’t trust them, what you get out of it will be limited. Your therapist knows that it can be hard to share certain things with them, definitely speak up if you are having a difficult time. They will appreciate the fact that you are sharing what is working for you and what is challenging for you & if they aren’t receptive than that is also telling information for you.

Think about your therapy goals ahead of time, even if you aren’t sure 100% knowing the type of therapy you feel would be beneficial is a very important part of finding the right therapist. There are many types of therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy) just to name a few. Also, therapists have different specialties are you someone who needs a person who specializes in life transitions or anxiety or attachment? When you are searching for a therapist use the filters on the website to find exactly what you need.

The financial piece of therapy can be a challenge as well, are you looking to be covered by your insurance? If so, make sure that therapist you are speaking with is in network with your plan (meaning they have a contract with the insurance company) and if they are not in-network they may be able to help you figure out your out of network benefits. Also, some therapists will do a sliding scale if you are going the out of pocket route but money is still a challenge for you. Be upfront about your financial situation with your therapist and come up with the best plan together so that therapy doesn’t become an added stress for you. Your insurance will also have a list of contracted providers. (psychology today and headway are both great places to look for therapists)

Ask questions about the things that matter to you

How much experience do you have working with people of X issue?
What do you consider to be your area of expertise?
What kinds of treatments have you found to be most effective for X issue?
How many years have you been practicing?

It is very beneficial for both you and therapist to have a conversation with one another about the expectations for therapy because if they can’t meet your needs they can refer you to someone who can.

Pay attention to red flags, regardless if you see someone in person or virtually you want to look for some things that may be a red flag.

Is your therapist present the whole time throughout session?
Do you feel comfortable sharing with them, are they judging you or making you feel uneasy in any way?
Do you feel safe and secure in therapy with this person?
Do you feel seen and heard?
Do you feel respected?
Does the therapist interrupt you or are they actively listening to you?

Lastly, trust yourself and your own responses but also recognize that trust takes time and a therapeutic relationship is a relationship like any other. If you consistently do not feel validated with your therapist that is something to listen to.