If it’s your first time looking for a therapist you should consider the following steps to get the best help for your case. First, determine your goals and needs, what you hope to gain from your therapist and what specific issues or challenges are you facing. This will help you and your therapist plan and address your situation.
Second, research your therapists, you can ask your healthcare provider, local mental health department for a list of therapists or ask your friends or family members recommendations.
You can also consider trusting our recommendations, we tried every single online therapy service available and we can recommend you the best service based on specific situation.
Consider also your therapist’s qualifications and their approach that aligns with your goals and preferences. Your therapist should have advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D., Psy.D., or M.S.W.
Once you reduced your research to a few therapist you can contact them and schedule a consultation or ask them questions you may have about their approach, background, experience, availability and fees.
Trust your instincts and choose a therapist that you feel the most comfortable talking to and with whom you can be honest and open up with.
How do I determine my goals and needs for a therapy session?
Setting goals will help you find a trained and experienced therapist to help you treat your specific needs, issues or challenges that you would like to address.
Here are a few steps you can follow to determine your goals and needs for therapy:
- Reflect: Take some time to think about the challenges and concerns you are facing and how they are impacting your life. Consider what you hope to gain from therapy and what specific issues or challenges you would like to address.
- Identify your goals: Consider what you hope to achieve through therapy. Do you want to learn coping skills for managing stress or depression? Do you want to improve your relationships with others? Do you want to work through past trauma or grief? Having specific goals in mind can help you and the therapist focus on specific areas and make progress.
- Consider your preferences: Think about what type of therapy you might prefer and what feels most comfortable for you. Do you prefer a more structured and goal-oriented approach, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy? Do you prefer a more open-ended, exploratory approach, such as psychoanalytic therapy? Knowing your preferences can help you find a therapist and approach that feels right for you.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: If you are unsure about your goals and needs for therapy, you can talk to your healthcare provider for guidance. They can help you assess your needs and suggest specific therapists or approaches that may be helpful for you.
What should I consider from my therapist’s qualifications and approach?
When considering a therapist’s qualifications and approach, there are a few key things you may want to consider:
- Training and qualifications: Look for therapists who are licensed and qualified to practice in your area and who have advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D., Psy.D., or M.S.W. You may also want to consider whether the therapist has received specialized training or has experience working with specific populations or issues.
- Approach: Consider the therapist’s approach to therapy and whether it aligns with your goals and preferences. For example, if you are seeking a more structured and goal-oriented approach, you may want to look for a therapist who practices cognitive-behavioral therapy. If you prefer a more open-ended, exploratory approach, you may want to look for a therapist who practices psychoanalytic therapy.
- Experience: Consider the therapist’s experience and how long they have been practicing. Therapists who have been practicing for a longer period of time may have more experience and may be more seasoned in their approach.
- Specialties: Look for therapists who specialize in the areas you are seeking treatment for. For example, if you are seeking treatment for depression, you may want to look for a therapist who has experience and training in treating depression.
It’s important to find a therapist who is qualified and experienced in the areas you are seeking treatment for and who has an approach that aligns with your goals and preferences. Remember, it’s okay to interview multiple therapists before deciding on one, and it’s important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you.
How should I contact my therapist?
There are a few steps you can follow to contact your therapist:
- Find the therapist’s contact information: Look for the therapist’s phone number or email address on their website or in the directory where you found their information. You may also be able to contact the therapist through the office or clinic where they work.
- Prepare a list of questions: If you have any questions about the therapist’s background, approach, or availability, you can prepare a list of questions to ask when you contact them.
- Call or email the therapist: You can contact the therapist by phone or email to ask any questions you have or to schedule a consultation.
- Attend a consultation: Many therapists offer initial consultations, during which you can discuss your goals for therapy and the therapist can assess your needs and determine if they are a good fit for you. It’s important to attend the consultation and to be open and honest with the therapist about your needs and concerns.
It’s important to remember that it’s okay to interview multiple therapists before deciding on one. It’s important to find a therapist who is a good fit for you and who you feel comfortable with. If you have any concerns about contacting the therapist or about the consultation, it’s okay to bring those up and to ask for clarification or reassurance.
What should I consider my comfort levels with my therapist?
It’s important to feel comfortable and at ease with your therapist, as this can help you feel more open and honest in therapy and can improve the effectiveness of treatment. Here are a few things you may want to consider when evaluating your comfort level with a therapist:
- Trust: Do you feel like you can trust the therapist and that they will respect your confidentiality and privacy?
- Openness: Do you feel comfortable talking to the therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences and being open and honest with them?
- Connection: Do you feel like you have a good connection with the therapist and that they understand your perspective and needs?
- Safety: Do you feel safe and supported in therapy and like the therapist is respectful and non-judgmental?
It’s important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process and that building a trusting and supportive relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist, it’s important to trust your instincts and to consider finding a therapist who feels like a better fit for you.
