As a therapist I know how important it is to choose the right
therapist for your needs. A good relationship with your
therapist is crucial creating a foundation based on trust
so you can explore your concerns in a safe environment.
After all, a therapist is someone you will work closely with
and they will help you rediscover yourself. It’s important to
find a good fit so that you can be comfortable in bringing up
anything you want to work on.
I’ve had lots of people ask me questions like: “How do I know
I chose a therapist?” “How will I know that it is a good fit?”
“I want someone direct but how do I ask for that?” “What do I
ask to find out more about a therapist?”
These are all great questions. I look at selecting a therapist as
if you were researching any other professional ( i.e. physician,
massage therapist, babysitter etc..). Most of us we call or go
online to find out more about that agency/person. Choosing a
therapist is no different. It’s important to call and speak with
the therapist and ask him/her questions about their practice.
This is like an interview process to find out how they work,
what are their specialties, and how will they help you?
I have put a list of questions together to help you in this
process. Some therapists offer a free consultation either
on the phone or in-person.
What are your specialties?
What are your credentials? (I.e. licensed, certified, etc…)
What types of models do you wok from?
What is the counseling process? (if you have never been
in counseling before)
How do you determine when I’m done?
How do you work with people with this concern? (be specific
on what help you are looking for)
What has been your experience working other others with this
same issue?
Some of the logistical questions:
Where are you located? Is there ample parking?
Does your office provide accommodations for physical
disabilities (if needed)?
What are your fees?
Do you take insurance?
What is your payment policy?
What are your hours?
How often do you meet with clients?
After this interview you should get a pretty good feel for how
they work and if they will be a good fit for you. If you feel good
about it you can schedule an appointment to meet in person.
So do your research ahead of time so you will have a
great experience. And I hope that you find a great
therapist that will assist you on your journey of growth!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Teri Karjala is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the founder and Executive Director of Creative Counseling Center, LLC. Working in the field since 1999, Teri and her team of therapists specializes in counseling for those who have experienced trauma. They work with children as young as age 2, as well as teens and adolescents, adults, seniors, families, and couples.
If you have questions about counseling, would like to find out if counseling could help you or a loved one, or are interested in learning more about our services, just complete the brief form below to request a Free Phone Consultation. A member of our team will contact you shortly. After a brief conversation, we'll determine together whether our practice is right for you and which therapist may be best suited for your specific circumstance.
Finding the right therapist, one you click with, is less about the therapist's experience and qualifications and more about the therapist's personality. So let's talk. Let us match you with a therapist you have a high likelihood of clicking with.
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