Sometimes, the upheaval in our lives comes to a head, necessitating us to seek help. For instance, an emotional challenge or health issue may cause you a lot of distress, implying you may need insight from a professional.
To this end, Virtuous Circle Counselling provides a compassionate environment where you can talk to a therapist about the issues bothering you. The facility also equips patients with practical tools to overcome the problems bedeviling them.
Choosing a therapist, though, is easier said than done. Luckily, this explainer provides tips to help you select a suitable therapist. Here are some of the aspects you should consider when hunting for a therapist for your initial counseling session:
1. Credentials and Licensing
When researching potential candidates, consider their certification and license. Given that the mental health profession comprises various types of therapists, check whether your therapist has the qualifications for the therapy you need.
Also, find out whether they are registered with a reputable body such as the American Psychological Association or Canadian Psychological Association. This could imply double-checking their credentials with the relevant body to ensure they’re from a recognized board.
Attainment of such credentials requires therapists to undergo a rigorous process. This signifies they have the relevant education, training, and experience to provide effective counseling. Professional credentials also indicate that a therapist is held to certain ethical and legal standards, making them a reliable resource.
2. Therapeutic Style
A suitable therapist should practice the kind of therapy that aligns with your needs and goals. Some therapists focus on one type of psychotherapy, while others use a combination to tailor their services to individual clients. Some of the common approaches they use include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, humanistic counseling, solution-focused brief therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and more.
3. Personality Fit
Would you prefer a warm and nurturing therapist or one who challenges you by being firm? The right fit is personal, but it pays to go for counseling where you feel comfortable.
The therapist should also respect your cultural values and be a good listener who encourages self-expression. The idea is to forge a beneficial relationship with your go-to professional to increase the odds of therapeutic success. As such, opt for a therapist with whom you click based on trust, authenticity, positive communication, personal preferences (age, gender, and personality), and a non-judgmental attitude.
4. Experience and Availability
Consider engaging a therapist with extensive experience in issues you’re facing. If they’re still cutting their teeth in the field, they may be more comfortable dealing with minor issues. However, if you’re struggling with a serious problem such as post-traumatic stress disorder, extend your search for a more seasoned therapist.
Also, inquire about their availability to determine whether they can commit the time required over an extended treatment period. Do they have flexible scheduling options that align with your lifestyle and needs? This is vital if you prefer in-person sessions or are struggling with a time-sensitive issue and need help.
Some therapies use HIPAA-compliant platforms to facilitate online or video counseling sessions with clients. This eliminates the need for long-distance travel and provides more convenience if you cannot attend in-person appointments due to mobility issues or other factors.
5. Cost
The cost of therapy is going to affect your decision. Ask about the fees and discounts for uninsured or underinsured patients, including whether they accept insurers. While at it, note that insurers typically have lists of approved providers, so check your plan or the provider’s website for more information.
Alternatively, inquire about the therapist’s fee structure and payment plans if they don’t accept insurance. Hence, you’ll be in the know before scheduling your sessions. But in case your insurer doesn’t provide coverage or limits your visits, consider other alternatives such as:
- Sliding scale fees
- Low-cost community clinics
- Exploring resources availed by mental health agencies in your area
- Online providers offering subsidized options
- Clinics with student counselors – these offer lower costs for counseling services
Although the cost of counseling may be a hindrance, be mindful of the benefits likely to acquire from such sessions. If this means forgoing certain luxuries, such as eating out or cutting down on social activities, it could be a worthy sacrifice.
6. Office Location
The location of practice is a practical concern for anyone looking for a therapist. Choose one close to your home or place of work to reduce the inconvenience associated with long distances.
Even so, prioritize other more important qualities, such as the therapist’s credentials. Also, if their personality resonates with you and they have the right qualifications, you may opt to go out of your way to get help.
Assess different therapists based on the aspects above to find a professional who meets your expectations. Once you do, prepare for the initial counseling session by mapping your goals and preparing relevant questions. For more comprehensive support in your journey, finding the right therapist is crucial to ensure your therapy experience aligns with your needs.