So by now, you’ve made the bravest decision already, seeking guidance from a therapist to help you with anything from mental illnesses, job insecurities, trauma or relationship advice. Deciding to consult the help of a therapist is not only one of the bravest decisions you can make but also one of the most beneficial decisions of your life. Knowing that you will always have that one person to turn to, no matter how hard it gets, is the security that only some people can dream of. However, you may now wonder how to choose the right therapist for you and whether their practices align with your needs. This blog aims to guide you on selecting the right therapist for you and your requirements to gain the most from experience to benefit your life.

It’s all about the connection.

If you were to search for a therapist, this result would yield hundreds in your area alone; this can be a pretty intimidating way to start and can sometimes leave people frustrated and unsure of where to start. Or, maybe a friend recommended their therapist ‘as the best.’ However, their style may not be what you want, or you may not feel entirely comfortable around them. Finding a therapist and instilling a relationship of equal trust is essential to ensuring you receive the most out of your sessions. If you don’t feel connected and comfortable with your therapist, it is unlikely you will genuinely open up and bear yourself to them. Remember, a therapy session is a safe space; you should feel ok baring yourself emotionally to understand the deep roots of your problems.

Therapy is teamwork

Studies have shown that the sessions may be ineffective unless both the therapist and the client are working toward a clear set-out goal. Both of you must understand the methods and practices needed to get to the place you want mentally. Whilst feeling a connection is essential, it is equally as important to set out goals together. It is recommended that therapists regularly check up on patients and log how they feel throughout the process. Your therapist should want to improve your relationship and your mental well-being to reach your goal quicker.

Consider who you would be more comfortable with

Some factors that may significantly impact your sessions and the development of a relationship may depend upon these factors.

• Gender: would you be comfortable with someone of your gender when discussing vulnerable topics?

• Age: maybe working with someone closer to your age would help strengthen a relationship as you may feel more comfortable around someone at a similar point in life.

• Religion: you may want to work with someone whose religious beliefs align with your own; this, therefore, creates a space of understanding and comfort.

When you think of yourself speaking with a therapist, who do you imagine yourself talking to? It is entirely up to you when it comes to matching with the right therapist, and with countless therapists out there, you are bound to find a match. Although it is important to note that most therapists won’t share too much of their personal lives online, they may include a brief bio on their website to help you understand a bit more about them.

How to find therapists

There are many ways people come across their therapists; some options include:

• Insurance directory
• Recommendations
• Doctor referrals
• Mental health organisations
• Online therapy directories
• Online therapy platforms

There are also several ways therapists can be classified; you may be confused by the letters behind their names. Here’s a breakdown of what these mean:

• LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• NCC: National Certified Counselor
• LCDC: Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
• LPC: Licensed Professional Counselor
• LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
• PsyD: Doctor of psychology
• PhD: Doctor of philosophy
• MD: Doctor of medicine (psychiatrist)

As you can see, there is a wide range of specialists all trained to help with specific needs. Knowing these initials may help you identify and narrow down your search for your therapist. However, sometimes their exact license may not matter too much in the end, and you may just choose the therapist whom you think best suits your needs. As you most likely know, finding a therapist can be challenging; hopefully, this guide has helped you understand where to start your search so that you can begin your journey to the best version of yourself. If you are interested in seeking help from a therapist such as me, please head over to my website to book in for your consultation today. This is an excellent step in establishing whether I am the best fit for you. In the meantime, please browse my website to understand myself and my forms of therapy better. In addition, my blog offers many detailed posts on how I help people with a number of mental health problems. Finding a therapist is one of the best things you can do for your life; start your search today with Liddy Carver.