Finding The Right Therapist

IGTV Mini-Series: Empowered Clients Part 3

Welcome back to part three of the empowered client IGTV mini-series. In our last two videos, Brian and I talked about the importance of the therapeutic relationship. It all starts with finding the right therapist! Brian and I discussed some considerations for finding the right therapist. Whether you are a seasoned client or new to therapy, there is something to be learned from the insights Brian and I share! If you are interested in starting the therapy process, connect with me at Wingate Counseling for a free consultation.

Where do I find a therapist?

You've done the internal work that led you to the decision to start therapy, and now you need to find the right therapist. A good place to start is Psychology Today, an online listing of therapists which can be filtered to your specific needs. If you feel comfortable, ask trusted people in your life about their therapist. It can be helpful to hear from others what they appreciate about their therapist to give you some perspective. Additionally, it's a good idea to reach out to a few therapists at a time. This gives you options about availability to find a therapist that fits your schedule. Always go to the therapist's website or social media to learn more about their realm of practice.

Should I do a consultation call?

Most therapists offer a free consultation before scheduling the initial appointment. The consult call is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about their practice, and schedule a session. Before the consultation call, take some time to reflect on what you want in a therapist and tailor your questions accordingly. It's important to understand that each therapist brings their unique perspective to this field. Hence, it's okay to "shop around" before finding the best fit. Be honest about what you are looking for. Suppose your concerns are outside the scope of practice. In that case, a good therapist will support you in getting connected to the right resources. It's okay to go in a different direction. Still, it's always helpful to let the other therapist you connected with know you found support elsewhere.

What are realistic expectations for therapy?

Unless you are doing a particular time-limited treatment protocol, the timeline for progress is individualized. Person-centered treatment focuses on building a relationship in the context of therapy. It's unrealistic to expect your symptoms to be "night and day" after a few sessions. There might be a temptation to jump from therapist to therapist after a few sessions of "not seeing progress." However, this behavior keeps clients stuck in the beginning phase and robs them of the opportunity to experience true growth born out of a commitment to the process. Good things take time!

What should I do if things aren't going well?

If things aren't going well, speak up! Empowered clients understand that therapy is a safe place to express their true feelings. Directness around uncomfortable topics is therapeutic. A good therapist wants to know if something isn't working and will help you find a solution. Being transparent in therapy is also good practice to strengthen communication skills in the real world. We live in a culture where "ghosting" or avoidance is commonplace. However, these behaviors rob us of the opportunity to grow and develop as a person.

The Bottom Line

Empowered clients understand their role in finding the right therapist! It's helpful to know what you need in a therapist and be honest about them upfront. Utilize consultation calls and check out a therapist's website or social media to gain a sense of them as a person. Try to be realistic about expectations and honest if your needs aren't getting met.

I hope this was illuminating, and you enjoyed this series on what it means to be an empowered client. Check out the full video conversation between Brian and myself on my Instagram @WingateCounseling, and connect with me to schedule your free consultation!