Choosing The Right Therapist For You

Written By Lewis Robinson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Finding a therapist can be daunting. You want to find someone who understands your needs and can help you navigate and process whatever it is you feel. Not all therapists are the same and the last thing you want is to sit in an office with someone whose personality isn’t a right fit.

It’s hard to know where to begin, but not hopeless. The right therapist is out there for you, you’ve just got to know where to look and what questions to ask. Read on for a few tips to help you find the perfect therapist for your needs.

Start With Your Doctor

Do you have a family doctor? If so, talking with your family doctor is a great place to start your therapist search. Your doctor has a slew of references and can write a referral for someone he/she feels is a good fit for you. If you’ve already done some research at home and are curious about certain therapy methods, bring it up to your doctor.

If you’re wondering does red light therapy work, or have questions on another method, talking to your doctor is a good beginning point. You can work together on exploring therapists that perform the methods you want to try.

Look At Local Resources

Typically, cities have resources to help you get started on your therapy needs. Many programs offer assistance with fees and walk you through the process of getting the help you desire. If you’re working, talking to your human resource department can play a role in pointing you in the right direction for your needs.

If you need time off while you navigate a difficult time, the HR manager can help you take the time and fill out the paperwork. Your office may offer financial resources or have a company discount to help you with costs. If you don’t want your place of employment involved, that’s okay.

State resources are another source you can use. Go to your state's homepage and review the listed help there for a starting point.

Find Someone Who Specializes

If you understand what you're seeking therapy for, start by looking at the therapist that specializes in your area of need. Therapists spend years educating themselves on the areas they study and you don’t want to pay for a session, only to realize you’ll be getting generalized help instead of what you're really in need of.

Take time to look at your therapist, call the office and talk to the staff on what areas they are known for, and always read the reviews.

Think About Your End Goal

What is the reason you’re wanting to work with a therapist? Think about what you would like your end goal to be and be upfront with your therapist.

You want to see yourself improve and if you’re seeking a different goal than the therapist, then you won’t be on the same page. Open communication is important when talking with your therapist, especially if you’re trying to decide if they are a good fit.

Remember, it’s okay not to jive with a therapist on the first visit. Your nerves could be frazzled and perhaps you’re feeling the unease of not knowing what to expect. Communicate this with your therapist and decide after your session if you should give it another try before leaving. A good therapist will communicate with you and be understanding.

Conclusion

Seeking therapy isn’t easy and often it can feel like a big task if you’ve never tried therapy before. You’re not alone and resources are there to help you. Start by talking with your doctor about what you’re wanting therapy for and explain to him what you hope to gain from it.

If there are methods you want to try, let your doctor know so he can point you in the right direction. If you have a specific need, look for a specialty therapist.

Some therapists specialize in one key area of help, and they have the years and certification to help you get through the tough time. Remember to think about your end goal for the whole process and breathe. You’ve got this.

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Written By:

Lewis Robinson is a freelance writer and expert in health and fitness. When he isn’t writing he can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash