How to Get Help: 5 Tips for Finding The Right Therapist
If you’re looking for a therapist, the task may seem daunting at first. Where do you start? What are some ways to find your therapist? How can you make sure you choose a professional? Choosing the right therapist is an important step in ensuring that your experience is rewarding! Here are five tips on how to do this most effectively.
Look for information from reliable sources
If you know someone who has already been in therapy, ask them for recommendations. For example, from family or friends who have had experience seeing a therapist, because they will have a more informed idea of what to expect, will share their impression, and will give you some nuances.
If you don’t know anyone who has had therapy, that’s okay. You can still find recommendations online. There are many online forums where people discuss therapists and their experiences with them. There are even sub-resources dedicated to finding therapists and their recommendations.
Chat and ask about counseling services in your area
Another way to find useful information is to talk to your doctor or other trusted health care provider and ask about counseling services in your area. They may be able to refer you to someone who specializes in the type of care you need. If you are a student, contact your school’s counseling center or school staff and ask about counseling services in your area. They can provide valuable information about what services they offer and what kind of people they work with.
It’s worth noting that there are various helplines and community help lines, most of which provide free psychological help.
Check certifications and accreditations
When you narrow down your list of potential therapists, you will want to check their certifications, licenses and accreditations, this can be found online.
There are many organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, that provide information about what education and training psychotherapists should have. You can also find a psychotherapist’s personal website, research their clients, read reviews, and ask questions online.
There are also many sites where there are discussions and ratings of the therapists.
Ask the right questions during your first appointment
When you go to your first appointment, feel free to ask a lot of questions that are important to you. Ask the therapist about his or her experience and what level of education he or she has. You can also ask about their experience with the problems you are concerned about to see if the therapist can help you with your problem.
Ask what approach the therapist uses in his or her practice, if he or she specializes in any specific types of therapy. You can also ask what services the therapist provides, how often he sees patients, and how many clients he sees at a time. Asking these questions will give you a better idea of whether or not this therapist is right for you.
The task of finding the right therapist can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By asking for references, talking to the doctor/medical staff, checking their credentials and accreditation, you can find the right therapist for you.
This article is written by a therapist from Sensera – a self-help app that provides daily CBT audio sessions and exercises. The app helps people deal with a variety of mental issues (anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems). Download Sensera now to become happier!
