“As far as looking for the right Therapist, do remember to actually look.
Too many people make the mistake of Picking the first name off the list provided by their insurance company and assuming that if things aren’t working with that therapist that means therapy doesn’t work for them, period.
Finding the right therapist takes time, and it’s like picking put a good mentor.
Look for someone who is interested in teaching the topic you think you need to learn and who has a positive way of motivating you while accepting your particular learning style.”
There are SO many factors that can go into picking the “right” therapist. It is an important decision and deserves serious consideration.
What are you looking for…?
You likely have to balance multiple wants, such as:
Proximity: Is their office location close?
Cost: Do they accept your insurance?
Time: Does the therapy (appointment time, session length, length of overall treatment) fit into your schedule?
Approach: Do they use scientifically proven treatments, such as CBT or DBT?
Training/Speciality: Do they have a background/training related to your needs, such as in your specific illness (i.e. eating disorders) or for your current issues (i.e. couples counseling)?
Side note: For some people, there may be characteristics of the therapist himself/herself that are desirable, such as being LGBTQ-friendly (yes, even today, there are professionals who are not…) or of the same religion/culture/race/gender/political party, etc, as the person Seeking treatment. Sometimes, having those certain features may make the person seeking therapy feel more comfortable or understood. That’s a personal preference, so that just varies based on the individual.
Some therapists even let you have a trial period/session for free, such as over the phone. That lets you test out that fit a little before committing to an appointment. When looking around, it is something worth asking!
Good luck to you!
: Quote from “F*ck Feekings: One Shrink’s Practical Advice for Managing all Life’s Impossible Problems”
: Michael Bennett, MD & Sarah Bennett
