I often say to potential clients, that it’s challenging enough to decide you want to see a therapist, but then navigating the process of finding the right therapist can be overwhelming. There are so many factors that go into finding your “right” therapist. Ultimately, this is going to be the person who can help you create change in your life or walk with you through a current struggle. Here are some factors to consider in taking that step to finding the right therapist for you:
- Location/Cost/Schedule: Let’s start with the practical part. To ensure your ability to attend regular appointments, make sure the therapist is within a reasonable distance, is within your budget, and can accommodate your scheduling needs. With couples, this includes working with both of your schedules (and the therapists’) so this part is imperative to figure out prior to starting therapy with someone you might not be able to consistently meet.
- Approach and Style of the Therapist: One of the things I love about Therapy With Heart therapists is that we all approach the therapeutic work with the same approach but we each bring our unique style and personality to the therapy process. There are therapists that take time to uncover the dynamics you are coping with and have a softer approach, and there are therapists that dive in quickly and push a bit harder. Both examples of different styles are neither “right or wrong” but are helpful to consider which would work best for you at this time. I recently had a new client share that she didn’t want me to “just let her talk the whole time” so we are using EMDR and body work to work through her trauma. I believe that you can tell within the first session if you feel the connection and if this therapist is going to be a good fit for you.
- Discuss Expectations and Realistic Goals: Make sure you spend some time exploring what you are wanting and looking for in therapy. Are you looking for a couples therapist who can help you manage conflicts in a different way? Are you recovering and repairing after an affair? Are you deciding whether to stay in a relationship? Are you navigating the dating world and needing support? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one and can’t find your way? Take the time to discuss what you are specifically hoping to get out of investing in the therapy process before starting the work. Make sure your therapist is confident that they are the best fit for you and you are confident in them as well.
Although this is a client-therapist relationship, it is also a human to human connection. So, make sure you feel you can be open and honest with this therapist. No matter how clinically skilled they are, sometimes things just don’t click. This is not your fault or their fault, it just is. And that’s okay. What you need to do is be open and honest about it. With yourself and with your therapist. It can help you improve your relationship with them, or eventually help you find the right therapist for you. We do not assume that every client is a great fit with every therapist but we have an amazing group of skilled and experienced clinicians so we are confident that Therapy With Heart has the right therapist for you.
This Post Written By:
Rachel Thomas, Owner, LMFT – Therapy With Heart
8737 E. Via De Commercio, Suite 200
Scottsdale, Arizona 85258
Phone: (480) 888-5380
Fax: (480) 203-2881
Email: info@therapywithheart.com
Website: https://therapywithheart.com
