How do I find the right Therapist for me?
Therapy can be a very powerful experience. It can be a place for you to talk through your most intimate, vulnerable thoughts and feelings. You absolutely need someone you can trust, that you connect with, that gets you. So how do you find such a person?
Think about what kind of experience do you want to have. What kind of personalities you connect with. What kind of concerns you have. Your history. Your socioeconomic factors, your culture, your religion, your physical location. Do you want someone the same gender identity? similar age? very experienced in your areas of concern? Someone really close by that you could easily access or is telehealth or your jam?
Some people want a therapist that is similar to them who may help them feel more comfortable and they could relate to more. Some people want a therapist who is very different from them who can challenge them in new ways and offer different perspectives/world views.
Some therapists try to be “blank slates” and remain neutral while other’s bring more of their personality and values into the space. Some are politically active and some will share very little about their viewpoints. Some therapists also specialize in particular religions if that is important to you. There are so many different ways therapists show up. What would you prefer?
When you imagine an ideal therapist, what do you see? What do you feel?
I highly suggest looking through therapist matching websites like Therapy Den, Psychology Today and Mental Health Match. These therapist search engines will allow you to filter through therapists that match your desired criteria. You can filter by gender, insurance/fees, specialties, modalities, etc.
Most therapists are generalists and can treat anything, anywhere, any time. However, you will want someone with experience in your presenting problem so you can feel confident you get quality care for your concern. You will also want someone who has experience with seeing your identity, gender, culture or specific individual factors so you can receive competent and sensitive care.
Once you narrow it down to what “kind” of therapist, now you have to actually choose! Most private practice therapists provide bios on their website to give you a preview of who they are and what they are about. Most offer consultations to see if you are a fit. It may take a couple meetings with different therapists to find one you like or connect with. It might take time but don’t give up! There are so many therapists out there who are eager to help.
The rest is up to you!
