Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist for you in this moment, with the challenges you are facing is important. Not all therapists are the same. There are a variety of degrees, areas of focus, and just as important life experiences that therapists bring into the room. Each therapist you meet or work with brings a unique style, perspective and communication style.
When I have friends or family ask me how do I even start to find a therapist? The first thing I tell them is to find someone who they feel comfortable with. Therapy is one of the most emotionally vulnerable experiences a person experiences. Find a therapist that will hold space for you and allow you to be vulnerable is crucial. Find someone who creates a balance between meeting you where you are at and helping you pursue change.
A therapy room is a place where you should experience feeling safe, free of judgement, challenged, encouraged, empathized with, and at times discomfort. I tell the people I work with that if it feels uncomfortable then that means we are moving in the right direction. Change is uncomfortable and as humans we often resist change because of this. There is a pull from within to stay in the state that we are familiar with, stay in our homeostatic bubble.
In my work with clients I use empathy and directness to help clients be Brave Enough (had to drop this phrase in somewhere) to push through the discomfort and learn how to face their mental health and emotional challenges. We also work to understand why they are experiencing the challenges, and what they are rooted in.
Here are a few things to think about when finding a therapist:
Do they offer a free initial meeting?
Explore what type of approach and communication feels right for you ie. directness, assertiveness, laid back, faith based, gentle, passive etc.
Interview potential therapists, come prepared with a list of questions.
Share a challenge you are facing and ask them how they would approach treatment.
Find someone you feel like you can share your needs or concerns with. Therapists want to know if something doesn’t feel like it’s working, they want to know how you are feeling about treatment.
Don’t be afraid to move on if the vibe isn’t vibing. We all deserve to have our mental health prioritized and this start with you. Find a therapist that is right for you today, in this stage of life.