Nicole Hoffmann, PLMHP, ATR-P- March 31, 2022
There are many factors that go into finding a therapist that is right for you. Various sources of therapist information exist today, including word of mouth, online therapist directories, websites and social media. This makes it easy to access information, but can also be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when looking for a therapist:
1.What are you wanting to work on in therapy? Take time to ponder what you are wanting to focus on in therapy. Determine the top one or two items that you want to prioritize.
2.What kind of therapist are you looking for? Think about specifics when it comes to your potential therapist: Do you prefer a male or female? Do you want someone who is direct or someone who is more laid-back? Consider ethnicity, religious, and other intersectional qualities of potential therapists. Also think about whether you are comfortable with telehealth, or prefer in-person sessions.
3.What will my insurance cover? Many potential clients look for a therapist who accepts their insurance. This is important to consider ahead of time, in order to avoid unexpected costs.
Once you have thought about what kind of therapy and therapist would be best for you, start searching online or in your local area. There are many therapist directories available, including Psychology Today and therapist.com. Therapists usually list their specialties and skill sets, so look for one that closely matches what you are wanting to work on and what type of therapy style you would prefer.
After you have found a therapist that you want to try, call their office and schedule a screening. There, the therapist’s team will ask several screening questions about you and your therapy goals. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions, also. Most offices are very helpful and happy to answer any questions regarding the therapy process.
During your first session with the therapist, it is important to be clear in what your goals are and what you expect from therapy. Check in with yourself after the session to see how you feel. Do you feel better/more hopeful after the session than before? Are there some things you want to clarify with the therapist in the next session? It is imperative that you feel comfortable, in order to achieve optimal therapeutic success.
If you have a few sessions with the therapist and communicate what you need from them, and the sessions still don’t feel right, it is perfectly fine to switch therapists. It is vital to find the right therapist for you, and sometimes change is the best thing.
The therapists at Creative Counseling and Studio specialize in a variety of mental health needs, and offer telehealth and in-person sessions. To contact Creative Counseling and Studio, call (402) 401-4445 or visit https://www.creativecounselingandstudio.com
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