8 Tips to finding the "right" therapist
How To Find The “Right” Therapist?
Looking for a therapist can be a scary thing. Searching for a stranger to trust your most intimate thoughts , fears and challenges to, is quite daunting. I feel you. I have actually been there myself.
Delving into these difficult feelings can ultimately be one of the most helpful ways to cope and move on.
Therefore a good match between therapist and client is one of the most powerful healing factors in a therapeutic relationship. Look for someone who makes you feel heard, understood, safe and comfortable.
These are some of the questions you must ask yourself before you look for a therapist:
Does the therapist’s gender matter?
Are you looking for someone who Skypes/Zoom?
Are you seeking long-term therapy or do you want to be laser-focused on an issue for just a few months?
Do you want a therapist who listens with compassion or would you prefer someone who gives you the concrete tools you need for problem solving?
Here are my top 8 tips in searching for the “right” therapist for you:
Research - For a therapist that you feel connected, comfortable and vulnerable with.(Keep in mind you will not know all these feelings in the first session)
Ensure they have credentials, insurance and a license to practice. (This ensures that your therapist is holding themselves to high quality standards)
Shop around online - When therapist shopping I would look for therapists who are not selling themselves but rather those telling you about their work and their philosophy (Click here to read my philosophy) of working with patients.
When choosing a therapist, almost all people have an instinctive idea on gender they would prefer to work with.
Call them on the phone - It sounds odd but you can gain a lot of information having a conversation with your therapist. Discuss in brief detail your challenge with them and see if their response is something you can align with.
Ask your friends who are in therapy what they look for in their therapist.
Find a therapist who has done and is currently doing their own work. You want a therapist who has been through therapy. Otherwise it’s like having a Red Seal Chef who’s never cooked an elegant 4 course meal before.
Be Patient and Give it time
That’s why experts say you should see your new therapist for at least three sessions before deciding if they’re a good fit — it’ll give you time to get comfortable with that person. If you quickly feel at ease, you can really start getting down to the nitty gritty of why you’re there. And if you don’t mesh well together, start back at step one. What’s most important is you’re actively trying to make forward strides. Believe in the process and keep going — because getting help is always worth it.
Remember, if you don’t click with a therapist remember to move on or ask them for a reference.
With love,
Your ‘easy to talk to’ therapist,
Kimberly Castle R.T.C
Kimberly Castle is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with a private practice in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She focuses on empowering individuals in all areas of their life. In her practice she works with individuals who have experienced trauma related symptoms, anxiety and depression. She also offers couples counselling and enjoys working with couples to expand their relationships.