Choosing A Therapist

" And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom ".
~Anais Nin~

People start therapy for a variety of reasons. It could be because of a relationship challenge, having feelings of extreme sadness, depression, anxiety, loss and grief. You might be adjusting to a major life transition such as the birth of a new baby, the loss of a parent, the end — or start — of a marriage, moving to a new state, or a career change. It could be about managing stress, sexual issues, or the onset of a debilitating or life threatening illness.

The process of choosing a therapist can itself be an overwhelming task. You might have been given a referral by a friend or your doctor. Maybe you're looking at a list of unknown names provided by your insurance plan, or else you’ve gone online and found websites like mine. How to decide?
The highest priority is for you to find a therapist you resonate with, someone you can trust. It must be a person who feels like the right fit for your particular needs. These are the key components to the therapeutic relationship and the therapeutic process. You will be sharing deeply personal thoughts and feelings about yourself. You need to feel confident that the therapist is truly listening and deeply understands you and your experience.

When you make that first call, be aware of whatever you’re feeling or sensing in your body. Are you at ease? Do you feel comfortable asking any and all questions you might have? Do you feel listened to and understood? Do you feel pressured into making a first appointment?

During this crucial initial contact, the therapist should be taking the time to learn about you, and considering whether they are the right fit for you. It's a two way street, and you should sense that they care about being the therapist who can help you, not simply wanting to add you to their client list. When you sense a balance of compassion and professionalism, and intuitively feel that you can go together into potentially uncomfortable territory, then it's time to schedule that first face to face session.