Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision that takes consideration and can be difficult. It is important that you find someone you feel comfortable talking to and opening up to. There could be a range of factors that you might want to consider. Here I will discuss some of the things to think about when starting your search for a therapist.
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What is the goal of therapy for you?
What do you want out of it? How will you know that you have got what you wanted from therapy?
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What are my symptoms?
How do you know that you need therapy or that it is the right time for you to get help? Is it low mood, withdrawal, racing thoughts, overwhelm, difficulty completing everyday tasks etc.
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Similarly, what concerns or issues do I want to address?
Trouble regulating your emotions, challenging behaviours, addiction or substance abuse, relationship issues, bad habits.
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Do I want someone who specialises in an area?
Some therapists specialise in a specific area i.e. eating disorders, anxiety, post-partum depression, OCD, trauma/PTSD, LGBTQ+ issues and clients.
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Do I want a female, male, non-binary, or do I not mind?
Some people may feel comfortable talking to a therapist of the same sex, but not of the opposite sex.
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What type of therapy do I want? (or do I not mind)
There are now many different forms of therapy and some can be recommended for different disorders. So answering some of the above questions may help you with this one. However, it is good to know that there are different types of therapies that focus on different things, and so if one doesn’t suit you, there are others that will. Some types of therapy include: CBT, counselling, EMDR, EFT, IEMT, NLP, hypnotherapy, and many more.
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Do I know anyone who has therapy or is a therapist, and who would they recommend?
A referral from a friend, colleague, or doctor you trust is another way to find a therapist who might be a good fit for you.
Once you have considered these things, the next step is to set-up a phone call with the therapist. This gives you the opportunity to talk to and get a feel for them before you make your decision. Once you’ve had that phone call, ask yourself:
Do I feel comfortable talking to and opening up to this person?
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How did I feel when I was talking to them?
It is natural to feel nervous or anxious when talking to someone for the first time, especially when it is so personal, but if you felt comfortable and had a good feeling during and after the call, that is a good sign. If you didn’t gel with the person or they made you feel uncomfortable, look elsewhere.
If you still aren’t sure after the phone call, you can always ask for another call to discuss any reservations, concerns or further questions that you have. The therapist will always support you with this as they understand that it can be a new and daunting process.
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