Finding the Right Therapist for you

Deciding to engage in therapy is often a confronting decision. But then, once you have done that, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you and your needs can be another challenging and time-consuming process. Sometimes that's where people give up. However, it is important to invest the necessary time and effort to find the right professional who can help you navigate the challenges you are facing, and support you on your path toward healing and personal growth. We all shop around for other service providers, and finding a therapist is no different, or possibly even more important to get right.

Here are some steps you can take to find a Therapist who is a good match for you:

1. Determine your Needs:

Before you start looking for a therapist, it's important to have a clear understanding of what you are looking for. Consider what issues or challenges you are facing, what type of therapy you're interested in, and what qualities are important to you in a therapist. For example, do you need someone who is empathetic and warm, or do you prefer someone who is more direct and challenging?

2. Have a Specific Type of Therapy:

Do you have a specific type of therapy in mind, such as Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema therapy or psychodynamic therapy? Different therapists use different therapeutic approaches which can fundamentally influence how they approach working with you, so it's important to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you as well. Some therapists may use cognitive-behavioural therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that are impacting your life. Others may use psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and past experiences. Some therapists may use a combination of approaches, while others may have a more specific focus.

3. Get Recommendations:

Once you have a clear understanding of your needs, you can start getting recommendations from people you trust. This could be your GP, a friend or family member who has seen a therapist, or a professional organisation in your area. You can also search online for therapists in your area, and possibly read reviews from other clients to get a sense of their experience (although counsellors often don’t encourage reviews as it is considered unethical in the field).

4. Consider the Therapist's Expertise when researching potential Therapists:

it's important to consider their areas of expertise. Look for therapists who have experience working with individuals who have similar challenges or concerns to your own. For example, if you're struggling with anxiety, you may want to look for a therapist who specialises in anxiety disorders. If you're dealing with trauma, it will be wise to seek out a therapist who has experience in trauma-focused therapy.

5. Check Credentials:

When you have a list of potential therapists, it's important to check their credentials. Look for therapists who have appropriate counselling qualifications and the necessary training and experience to treat your specific needs. You can also check the therapist's qualifications with their professional organisation - such as AASW for Social Workers, APS for Psychologists, and ACA for Counsellors - and look for any disciplinary actions or complaints against them.

6. See if you can have a 15min Chat with the Therapist:

Many therapists offer a brief phone interview to see if what they offer is what you are seeking/needing. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions about their approach to therapy, their experience with your specific issues, and their availability. It will also give you a sense of their personality and communication style. Counselling is very personal, so it is important that you feel a connection with the therapist that you choose; go with your gut feeling. Time and again research has indicated that the relationship between the client and the counsellor is the strongest indicator of the outcome, so it's really important that you feel safe and comfortable with them. This may even be more important than what theoretical approach they are using.

7. Schedule a Consultation:

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential therapists, schedule an initial session with them. During this consultation, you can ask more detailed questions about their approach to therapy, and get a sense of how they interact with you. You can also share more about your specific needs and ask how they will approach working with you. Just because you have one session with them doesn’t mean that you have to continue, so you can consider this like an interview in a sense to make sure that they are the right fit for you.

8. Evaluate the Fit:

After your consultation, take some time to evaluate how you felt about the therapist. Did you feel comfortable and safe? Did you feel like they understood your needs and had the experience to help you? Did you feel like they were a good listener and communicator? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may have found a good fit.

9. Be prepared to try more than one Therapist:

It's important to remember that finding the right therapist is a process, and it may take some time to find someone who is a good fit for you. Don't be discouraged if your first choice doesn't work out; remember that this doesn’t mean that counselling isn't a useful process for you, but perhaps just that this wasn’t the right therapist. Be open to trying more than one therapist until you find someone who can provide the support that you need.

So, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you requires a thoughtful and intentional approach, and it may take time and effort. But, with patience and persistence, you can find a professional who can help you on your path toward healing and personal growth. Here at Talked, you can have unlimited free therapy consultations with our different therapists until you are able to find one that suits you best.