How to Find a Great Therapist
Understand it’s a process
I used to attend a church that said “if this is your first time visiting, we ask that you give us three Sundays before you decide if it’s for you or not.” I really liked this perspective because everyone, even therapists, have off days. It also takes time to get to know the rhythm of how a person operates (both client towards therapist and therapist towards client). Take your time in exploring different therapists that may be a good fit for you. Be open to different things. Come with questions. You are essentially interviewing the therapist - not the other way around.
A downside to therapist shopping is that you will most likely be repeating a lot of the same things. Go in with the expectation that you will be repetitive and take your time as you share your story to each person. Be open to different pieces of information each therapist will give you. Patience will be your friend in this process!
Understand certain therapeutic styles aren’t a good fit for everyone
It’s okay if you aren’t feeling connected to a therapist. We all are humans and we don’t naturally connect with others sometimes. Don’t be afraid to move on if you don’t feel it’s a good fit. Therapists should not be offended by this, as we understand everyone is different and has different needs within the therapy setting. We want you to find the best fit for you and your situation.
Understand what you need in a therapist (empathetic, logical, flexible, rigid schedule, homework, certain specialties, faith-based, lifestyle…etc)
Some people need structure, homework, or more education behind therapy. Others may need an open place to sort out thoughts, a sense of humor, or a softer tone in delivery. We are all uniquely made and our brains all receive information in different ways. As therapists, we also deliver information in different ways. If you enter into a session, it can be extremely helpful to the therapist to express a couple ways in which you receive information well. But that doesn’t mean your first, second, or even third therapist is going to jive in the way you need. Therapists are trained within different modalities and backgrounds. It’s not your fault if you don’t connect right away. After a few sessions, if it’s still not a good fit and you feel you’ve communicated on your end your needs, it’s okay to move onto the next.
Do your research before meeting with a therapist and take up the offer on consult calls. Make sure you’re finding someone with aligned values that are important to you such as faith, or specialties. You don’t want to feel like you have to educate the therapist on core values or on the main topic you may be coming in for.
It can be a good idea to have some interview questions set up. Interview questions can save a lot of time in your first session if you have an idea of what you’re looking for. Here are some suggestions:
How do you normally run your session?
What if we don’t have much to talk about in a session?
How do you collect payments?
What is your cancellation policy?
If I’m not ready to share something in session, how do you handle that?
If I’m needing to be challenged, how do you go about delivering that information?
Am I able to contact you in between sessions? What are your boundaries on communication outside of session?
Why did you want to become a therapist?
What are your specialties?
It can be a good idea to pray over this process or take time to intentionally think about it as you attend sessions. All in all, finding a good therapist is a journey, and they may come and go. One therapist might be great for a season, and then you may feel you need something different as you continue your healing journey. The important thing to remember is that as you are continuing to grow and finding safe places with therapists who are coming alongside you during these life seasons is not something to take lightly.
You are worth investing in!
Are YOU actually a great therapist yourself looking for a workplace to call home?
Here at True North Vitality, we are always seeking motivated, mature and Christ-centered counselors to compliment our growing team.
Mediocre therapists are a dime-a-dozen. Do you see yourself as set apart in the field of counseling? Are you looking for a workplace that will feed your soul as well as your professional growth?
Please read our Career Opportunities page and fill out our contact form to start the process.
