In making a decision to enter psychotherapy the task of picking the right therapist can seem daunting.
Remembering that you are the consumer is the mindset to have as you seek out professional assistance.
It is not uncommon for a therapist to ask you a few screening questions prior to setting up a first appointment with you.
In doing this the therapist is assuring you that they have the expertise to help you with your presenting issue.
In the same vein you as a consumer should also feel completely comfortable asking the new therapist a few screening questions with an aim to make sure that they are right for you.
It goes without saying, but is shared as a reminder to always seek out therapy from a well credentialed provider.
In most states a minimum of a Master's Degree in counseling psychology or social work is required to obtain a license to practice therapy.
Each state has a regulatory board listing all of its licensed therapists along with any consumer or professional complaints including how they were resolved.
Choosing a therapist who is state licensed allows you a sense of comfort knowing that they are monitored and held accountable for their professional behavior and that consumers have an outlet to voice a complaint if indicated.
Here are a few tips to make your screening process efficient.
1.
Decide specifically what you want to address in therapy before you make that call.
Knowing what you want to address will help you ask questions.
For example, perhaps you want help with a specific phobia, like traveling in an airplane.
Ask the potential therapist if they work with phobias and what type of therapies they use.
There is talk therapy but there are also other interventions a therapist might use like EMDR or hypnosis.
2.
Find out about the therapist's fees up front.
Do they take insurance? If you are going to be paying out of pocket, will they reduce their fee if you? What if you pay for your first few sessions up front? If money is tight you can ask if they would be willing to see you every other week or even for shorter sessions at a reduced rate.
Ask! Don't make therapy a financial burden at the start, it might turn out that you will find you can't continue because of costs and not get the full benefits because you drop out.
3.
Ask around.
Sometimes this is a difficult task because of the stigma sometimes associated with seeking therapy.
Think of your friends and family who you trust the most, or think of someone you know who has been open about seeking therapy and ask them if they recommend any therapist in particular.
A good number of therapists have a strong client list based on referrals from previous clients.
4.
Ask if the therapist would be willing to meet for 10-20 minutes just to make sure that there is a good connection.
Sometimes a therapist will allow this.
If they are tightly booked though, they may only offer this consult and Q&A over the phone.
5.
Remember if you go in for a few sessions and don't feel comfortable with the therapist, his/her office, or the way the first few sessions go, you can always decide to seek another therapist.
Make sure you are being honest with yourself that your reasons for leaving therapy are due to the personality or treatment specifics versus the process of therapy itself, which initially might take some time to get use to.
Talking with your therapist right away is important.
You are not locked into anything and your comfort with the therapist is more important than the fear you have that you might hurt the therapist's feelings by telling him/her that it doesn't feel like a good fit.
A reputable therapist understands this and wants their clients to succeed in therapy, if that means seeking out another therapist they will wish you well and be cooperative with providing any initial assessments with whoever you do settle working with.
So in review remember you are the consumer, do your homework by knowing what you want, ask questions and trust your gut.
The benefits of finding and utilizing a therapist you feel comfortable with will pay off in spades!
Remembering that you are the consumer is the mindset to have as you seek out professional assistance.
It is not uncommon for a therapist to ask you a few screening questions prior to setting up a first appointment with you.
In doing this the therapist is assuring you that they have the expertise to help you with your presenting issue.
In the same vein you as a consumer should also feel completely comfortable asking the new therapist a few screening questions with an aim to make sure that they are right for you.
It goes without saying, but is shared as a reminder to always seek out therapy from a well credentialed provider.
In most states a minimum of a Master's Degree in counseling psychology or social work is required to obtain a license to practice therapy.
Each state has a regulatory board listing all of its licensed therapists along with any consumer or professional complaints including how they were resolved.
Choosing a therapist who is state licensed allows you a sense of comfort knowing that they are monitored and held accountable for their professional behavior and that consumers have an outlet to voice a complaint if indicated.
Here are a few tips to make your screening process efficient.
1.
Decide specifically what you want to address in therapy before you make that call.
Knowing what you want to address will help you ask questions.
For example, perhaps you want help with a specific phobia, like traveling in an airplane.
Ask the potential therapist if they work with phobias and what type of therapies they use.
There is talk therapy but there are also other interventions a therapist might use like EMDR or hypnosis.
2.
Find out about the therapist's fees up front.
Do they take insurance? If you are going to be paying out of pocket, will they reduce their fee if you? What if you pay for your first few sessions up front? If money is tight you can ask if they would be willing to see you every other week or even for shorter sessions at a reduced rate.
Ask! Don't make therapy a financial burden at the start, it might turn out that you will find you can't continue because of costs and not get the full benefits because you drop out.
3.
Ask around.
Sometimes this is a difficult task because of the stigma sometimes associated with seeking therapy.
Think of your friends and family who you trust the most, or think of someone you know who has been open about seeking therapy and ask them if they recommend any therapist in particular.
A good number of therapists have a strong client list based on referrals from previous clients.
4.
Ask if the therapist would be willing to meet for 10-20 minutes just to make sure that there is a good connection.
Sometimes a therapist will allow this.
If they are tightly booked though, they may only offer this consult and Q&A over the phone.
5.
Remember if you go in for a few sessions and don't feel comfortable with the therapist, his/her office, or the way the first few sessions go, you can always decide to seek another therapist.
Make sure you are being honest with yourself that your reasons for leaving therapy are due to the personality or treatment specifics versus the process of therapy itself, which initially might take some time to get use to.
Talking with your therapist right away is important.
You are not locked into anything and your comfort with the therapist is more important than the fear you have that you might hurt the therapist's feelings by telling him/her that it doesn't feel like a good fit.
A reputable therapist understands this and wants their clients to succeed in therapy, if that means seeking out another therapist they will wish you well and be cooperative with providing any initial assessments with whoever you do settle working with.
So in review remember you are the consumer, do your homework by knowing what you want, ask questions and trust your gut.
The benefits of finding and utilizing a therapist you feel comfortable with will pay off in spades!