If you are considering therapy, finding the right therapist can seem like a daunting task.
Finding the right therapist is the first hurdle to cross and there are a few tried-and-true methods that can help you to make this very important decision and start working towards your therapeutic goals.
Word-of-mouth
Ask someone you trust. Although your needs might differ from that of a friend or colleague who has attended therapy, such a referral source can be a good starting point.
Access a reliable online database
A number of organizations maintain an updated, searchable database of licensed therapists in your specific area. You could simply start by entering your city or town to generate a list of available therapists in your area. You are also able to search for therapists based on specialist areas such as marriage/couples counselling, trauma therapist, or drug and alcohol use.
Some of the most commonly used databases include:
Ensure that therapists are verified on these sites, which indicates that they belong to an accredited organization that oversees the standards for training, registration, and ethical conduct of licensed members.
Take the time to think about what you want to accomplish in therapy
Your relationship with your therapist should be a collaborative partnership. Studies have found that when you both work together toward the same goals, therapy will be more effective. Take the time to think about your goals before you attend your first session.
With online access to all that is psychology and therapy related, take the time to do some research about your condition and available treatment approaches that have been proven to address your specific concerns. If you heard that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, or Emotionally Focused Therapy have been effective for others with a similar condition, you'll want to look for a therapist that is trained and/or certified in this particular treatment approach.
You may and should ask questions
It is not uncommon to forget the questions you would like to ask your therapist during your first session. In order to make an informed decision about whether your therapist will be a good fit, jot down questions as they come to you in the days leading up to your first meeting.
The following are some questions that the American Psychological Association suggest you consider asking your therapist:
Are you licensed to practice psychology in this country?
How many years have you been in practice?
What is your experience working with people who are dealing with (the issue you would like to work on)?
What do you consider your area of expertise or specialty?
Which medical aids do you accept and do you claim directly from them?
In the end it comes down to:
Your relationship with your therapist, often referred to as the "therapeutic alliance" will most likely determine how helpful therapy will be for you. This means that even after doing a thorough search of available therapists, their backgrounds, therapeutic approaches and areas of expertise, there needs to be a "fit" between you and your therapist. You have to feel connected to your therapist and comfortable enough to share your innermost thoughts and feelings. There also needs to be an agreement on the goals of therapy and how these goals will be reached. The "therapeutic alliance" is also strengthened when there is a sense of good communication, a mutual willingness to work together and sense of safety and acceptance. The relationship between you and your therapist is essential in the success and effectiveness of your therapeutic process. In the end, if you feel that it is not a "good fit", do not hesitate to voice your concerns to the therapist and reach out to another therapist.
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