How Do I Choose the Right Therapist?
Choosing the right therapist is an important decision, and this is such an important question. There are several factors to consider when looking for a therapist. Below five main factors:
Fit- Do you feel like there is a good fit between you and the therapist? Fit means that you like the therapist’s way of talking to you, you feel comfortable with the therapist, and they have a therapy style that works for you.
Issue- Does the therapist specialize in treating the issue on which you want to work? For example, if you want to work on anxiety issues, does the therapist make note of specializing in working with anxiety in therapy? Do they seem to know information about anxiety and be well versed in how to treat anxiety?
Feelings- What feelings do you have when you are meeting the therapist? It is normal to feel slightly nervous and uncertain when meeting a therapist for the first time. Does the therapist help put you at ease? Give you time to talk about your issues? Show genuine concern for you? It is important that you feel comfortable and at ease, since therapy is such a personal and vulnerable journey.
Cost- If you need to pay with insurance, does the therapist take your insurance? If not, can you afford the therapist’s private pay fee? Cost is definitely a factor in choosing the right therapist. Making an investment in therapy for yourself can have wonderful dividends. However, you get the choice on whether you want to pay the therapist’s set fee or use your insurance. You have the option to look for a therapist whose fee is in line with your budget.
Availability- Is the therapist available at a time when you are also available? If not, can you shift your schedule so that you can see a particular therapist?
While these are just some of the factors to consider when choosing the right therapist, they are very important variables. They are not listed in any particular order. You may find that therapist fit and feeling are most important to you, versus cost or availability. Or perhaps your most important factor is if the therapist specializes in the concern for which you are seeking therapy. You can choose which factors are most important to you, to help you choose the best therapist for your needs.
