Finding the Right Therapist for You

You’ve decided to start therapy. You have heard all of the benefits but now how do you go about finding the right therapist? 

The reality is that there is no one way to find the right therapist for you. It is a decision that you need to make for yourself. The important thing about working with a therapist is the relationship that you establish with them. 

Now, a therapist is there to provide support but that does not mean that they will always agree with you. A strong relationship with a therapist does encompass feeling supported but will probably be a relationship in that you will feel challenged to reflect on yourself especially in relation to the goals you mutually agree upon at the start of counseling. 

At the first session with me as a therapist, I begin by normalizing that coming to see a therapist is a different experience than meeting other people in your support system. Therapy is a one-sided relationship in that the focus is on the betterment of the client. While each therapist has their own comfort level with how much they disclose with a client, the primary goal is focused on the client’s goals. So during the first session, I normalize the potential awkwardness in the relationship. 

I encourage clients to “listen to their gut” as we meet during our first session and throughout our work together to access if they feel comfortable and supported working with me. 

I encourage clients to ask themselves: 

• “Do I feel heard?”

• “Do I feel supported?” 

• “Do I feel like I’m progressing towards my goals?” 

These questions can help with deciding if this therapeutic relationship is for you. I encourage the evaluation of the relationship that you develop with a therapist because especially during times of being challenged in therapy; the strong relationship with a therapist can feel comforting as a client is navigating new terrains in their personal growth. 

Just as important as it is to establish a trusting relationship with a therapist, I encourage clients also to reflect on the therapist’s training. Certain therapeutic modalities or training are best suited for certain therapy goals. Talk to the therapist about their training and how it can make an impact on you reaching your goals. 

Remember the goal of therapy is to accomplish your goals. I always tell clients that I am there “to work myself out of a job” because I want clients to achieve their goals. 

The key thing to remember is to talk to your therapist about how you are feeling regarding your relationship with them and how it relates to what you hope to accomplish in counseling. 

How did you know when you found a therapist that was right for you? Share in the comments below.