The thought of therapy has crossed your mind multiple times and may have even been suggested to you by a friend or loved one. Perhaps you’ve heard a friend or co-worker talk about their experience with their therapist and you thought to yourself, ‘I wonder if I should engage in therapy?’ Yet the idea of how to go about finding a therapist feels more daunting
than the therapy itself. You are not alone. Many people who engage in therapy and counseling have been considering it for months if not years beforehand expressing that it is hard to know where to begin. Yet once they get started, people often end up saying, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?!’
Choosing a therapist that feels right for you is important to your success in therapy. If you end up with a therapist who you do not feel completely at ease with your therapeutic journey will not unfold as easily. When seeking a therapist, it is a good idea to spend time reading their bio, educational background, and website regarding the kind of therapy they provide. Should you struggle to find this basic information about a therapist I would perhaps steer away from that professional unless they come highly recommended by trusted others in your life. The alternative to a therapist who does not readily have their professional information accessible, is to reach out and ask for this information letting them know that you are considering them for professional help.
Before committing to a therapist or mental health professional, check to see if they offer a brief phone or video-chat consultation for you to ask any questions you may have and to get a feel for their personality and interactions with you. Where it is hard to sum up a person in such a short time, you will know generally whether that professional is someone you want to engage after briefly interacting with them.
Last, know that YOU are the one in control of your decisions and choices with therapy. It is perfectly fine to start therapy with one professional and after a handful of sessions realize that the individual you chose may not be the right fit for you. In which case, most therapists and mental health professionals are prepared to have that open conversation with you and help you find someone else that may be a better guide in your therapeutic journey. Knowing that you never have to be stuck or trapped and that you always have the choice, can help to alleviate any worry that therapy could be a disaster.