The first step to finding the support you need on your mental health journey is finding the right therapist. There are many options for therapy out there, varying in online vs. in-person meetings, experience with different conditions, therapeutic approaches and practices, and more.
When searching, you will want to be sure to find just the right therapist who can work with you and give you the support you need, but you’ll have to ask yourself some questions first to narrow down what you’re looking for in a therapist.
Here are three questions to consider.
- What conditions or concerns do I need help with? Finding the right therapist will include finding one who specializes in or has experience in treating your condition or concerns. Even if you don’t have an exact name for what you’ve been experiencing on your mental health journey, it can still be beneficial to clarify your main concerns, so you know what experience and specialties to look for in a therapist.
- What type of therapeutic approaches am I comfortable with? Different therapists will take different approaches to different conditions. A good therapist will tailor their approach to your condition, comfort levels, and needs. It can be beneficial to decide what types of therapy you might be comfortable with, whether that might include a holistic approach, integrated approach, or otherwise. That way, when you ask the therapist about what to expect, it will be easier to decide if their methods will work for you or not.
- Am I open to trying new things? Another question to consider before finding the right therapist is whether you’re willing to try new things outside of your comfort zone. Some therapists may push you a little to try things you haven’t done before for a more holistic approach to therapy and get you into a new mindset.
Taking time to reflect on your main concerns and the types of therapies you are willing to try is immensely helpful in finding a therapist who is a good match for you. It keeps you from spending valuable time in a situation that doesn’t serve you and helps you make the progress you want to see sooner.