Finding A therapist/ counselor
Searching for a therapist or mental health counselor can sometimes be difficult. There are lots of questions an individual may have when finding a therapist. Here are some suggestions in your search for a therapist.
Comfort and Trust- Find a counselor you can trust and enjoy working with. When you search for a therapist, look for someone you can build rapport and enjoying sharing your story. Therapy often takes us down memory lane so find someone you can share joy, tears, pain, hope and dreams when working with a therapist. Therapy should not just be about talking about the problem, it should also include the sharing of dreams, hope, and successes.
Curiosity and Care- A therapist needs to be curious and caring. I have heard stories from clients and students that they have seen counselors with whom they felt like they were arguing and felt uncared for. A therapist can show unconditional positive regard, empathy, and care when working with clients.
Competency and Ethical- Therapists must be ethical and competent in their work. They must abide with their profession’s code of ethics and state regulations that govern their work. Ask about their training, specialization, and education when first engaging with a therapist.
Questions to ask a potential THERAPIST
Ask the therapist some of the following questions:
What type of license does the therapist hold?
Does the therapist have experience treating the issues similar to yours?
What credentials, training, and experience does the therapist have?
What is the theoretical orientation of the therapist? What techniques or framework does the therapist use?
Does the therapist take your insurance? What is the cost of the therapy sessions?
What is the therapist’s schedule and office hours?
What are the office policies regarding cancellation, no-shows, and emergencies?