Making the decision to go to therapy can sometimes be nerve-wracking; who are you going to be meeting with? Will you be comfortable with them? Where do you even start the process of finding a therapist?
Here are some tips on how to search for a practitioner that specializes in the support you're seeking, as well as aligns their work with your own goals.
Write a list of what you're needing out of your time in therapy. Are you experiencing depressive symptoms? Have you been impacted by trauma that is now creating chaos in your daily life? Have you experienced a loss or recent separation from your partner, and needing someone to guide you through developing self-care? Psychology Today is a great resource that helps you identify clinicians in your area as well as their specialties.
Spend time defining what support looks like for you. Do you respond better to people who are more direct in their feedback to you? Are you seeking someone to guide or coach you through recent challenges? Is a structured schedule (including tasks that you complete between sessions) beneficial or do you prefer someone who is more nurturing in their approach? The more you know about how you respond to feedback, the easier the process will be for you.
Office Sessions vs. Telehealth. Sometimes people prefer the comfort of their own home to that of an in-person session; most practices these days offer a hybrid approach. Make sure to check in with office administrators prior to your intake so you can share your preference.
Be open. A good clinician will be one that wants to hear feedback from you, especially if you're feeling the treatment process is not working for you. Not only does this help move towards your own goals (such as developing self-advocacy skills), it also allows the practitioner to shift their approach or refer out, if needed. Expect the same transparency in return!
Lastly, be an active participant. A strong therapeutic rapport is one of a team, with each participant engaging in the therapeutic process. If something is holding you back from engaging, check in with yourself and trusted loved ones to see if changing therapists is necessary.
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