Choosing your counselor/therapist can be a very daunting task, but it doesn't need to be! Where do you start? What do you look for? There are many different factors to finding a counselor that will work best for you. Here are a few you might think about:
Education and Experience
Therapists hold varying levels of degrees, and they can be very confusing to sort through. Don't be nervous to ask your potential therapist what their degree means, and how much experience and supervised training they have. Any qualified therapist will be more than happy to provide this information to you.
Fees
This is very important. Some therapists charge more than others, due to varying levels of education, experience, years in practice, and specialties. Some therapists charge quite a bit less than others, and this does not mean that they are "bad" therapists. It simply means that they have chosen to reduce their fees so that people can have access to the services that they desire for themselves. Many therapists also offer a sliding-scale fee, and will be more than willing to work with you on your particular situation. If you need to use insurance to help pay for your sessions, it's important to ask your potential therapist if they can bill your insurance directly, or if they can bill as an out-of-network provider.
The Right Fit
To make counseling a success for you, you've got to feel a good connection with your therapist. So many people tell me that they were in therapy for awhile, and never felt comfortable with their therapist to truly open up. Or, they felt like it didn't work for them. YOUR TIME AND MONEY ARE VALUABLE! Ask to set up a no-fee consultation with a prospective therapist, to see if the two of you will be a good fit for each other. This is critical for your success and happiness in your counseling experience. Don't be afraid to ask your potential therapist questions about their background, preferred method of practice (analytical, cognitive-behavioral, Gestalt, etc.), and if they've been in their own therapy before. In order for your counseling to work well for you, you must feel comfortable with your therapist. It's important to "try before you buy".
Hours and Location
Are you only able to schedule appointments in the evenings, after work? Or maybe you work solid during the week, and are only able to schedule a Saturday appointment? Ask your potential therapist what their hours are, and see if they are flexible enough to work into your schedule. Also, is it going to take weeks to schedule an initial appointment? You will want to find someone who can see you the week that you call, or the next week at the very latest.
|