4 Steps Closer to Finding The Right Therapist for YOU
Why is finding the right therapist necessary?
For more related information on finding a therapist, please read our blog on why it can be so hard to find YOUR therapist.
Finding a good therapist is incredibly important. It can be a life-changing experience and can help you work through difficult emotions, mental health issues, and relationship problems. The right therapist can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, offer guidance and support, and help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress and challenges in your life. Investing time and effort in finding the right therapist can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being.
This blog post will provide some critical steps to help you with this important task.
Step 1- What to Consider Before
It's essential to consider your "why" before meeting with a potential therapist. Ask yourself why now is the right time to start therapy and what you hope to gain from the experience. Think about how you want to feel during therapy sessions and how therapy can help you in your current situation. Identify what you need from a therapist and what resources you have to pay for therapy. Consider your availability and how therapy will fit into your schedule.
Before choosing a therapist, it's essential to think about your therapy goals and determine what type of therapist or therapy approach may be best suited for you. Consider the therapist's credentials, experience, specialization, availability, and location. Consider thinking about the therapist's communication style, personality, and approach to treatment. Finally, logistical considerations such as cost, insurance coverage, and scheduling should be explored. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your needs.
Start by asking yourself what you want to gain from therapy, how you want to feel during the sessions, and what you want to focus on or work on. Think about the qualities you want in a therapist and who you feel safe enough with to discuss sensitive topics. Determine whether you want a therapist who is more direct or indirect in their communication style, whether you want them to listen more or engage with you more, and whether you like to be challenged, and would you prefer to have homework?
Consider cultural backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity/culture, faith or spirituality, language, and life experiences such as parenting, divorce, chronic illness, or different abilities.
Additionally, think about the location and how the therapist conducts therapy sessions (in-person, virtual, or both), what modalities and therapeutic tools they use, and their training or background. Find out if they offer a consultation or a way to meet them before choosing and whether you like their website or materials describing the work they do. Determine whether they have a focus or way of working that aligns with what you hope to address and whether they have any complaints or ethical breaches with the State board. Ultimately, it's crucial to trust your instincts and choose a therapist who passes your "vibe" check overall.
Step 2: Reaching out
Here are some sample messages you can send on a potential therapist's website contact page or their email or leaving a message on their voicemail:
- Hi, I hope this message finds you well. I have been struggling with some mental health issues, and I'm considering seeking professional help. Would you be available for a consultation? The days and times I am available are xx, and the best way to reach me is xx
- Hello, I've been feeling overwhelmed and anxious lately, and I need some therapy sessions. Can you provide me with some information about your services and availability? The days and times I am available for consultation are xx, and the best way to reach me is xx
- Hi there, I'm interested in scheduling a therapy session with you. I would like to know more about your approach and experience in dealing with XX (i.e., anxiety and depression/grief or loss). The days and times I am available for consultation are xx and the best way to reach me is xx
- Good afternoon. I hope you are doing well. I have been experiencing some relationship problems, and I need some guidance to work through them. Is that something you can help me with? Please share more about your work and what you provide, or could we schedule a consultation so I can learn more about what you offer? The days and times I am available for consultation are xx, and the best way to reach me is xx
- Hello, I am struggling with some personal issues and need someone to talk to. I am hoping for someone to help with the following concerns xxx. If you work with this, let's schedule a consultation or session to discuss my concerns. The days and times I am available for consultation are xx, and the best way to reach me is xx
Step 3: 20 Potential questions to ask during a consultation
Step 3: Twenty potential questions to ask during a consultation
When you have scheduled a consultation, have your favorite notebook or Google Doc ready to take notes. Write down the answers to the questions provided below, and consider what you are hoping or looking for in the answers. It's only helpful to ask a question if you are clear about what would be a satisfactory answer. Here are some sample questions for you to choose from. Pick the ones that are most important to you.
1. What is your professional experience and training in the mental health field?
2. What kind of therapy do you practice?
3. Do you specialize in any particular areas or issues?
4. What is your approach to therapy?
5. How do you typically work with clients to achieve their goals?
6. What kind of homework or activities do you assign to clients?
7. What are your fees, and do you accept insurance?
8. How long do you typically work with clients, and how often do you recommend sessions (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)?
9. What is your cancellation policy?
10. How do you handle emergencies or crises outside of regular session times?
11. How do you customize your therapeutic approach to each client's needs?
12. How do you ensure confidentiality and privacy?
13. What kind of outcomes can I expect from therapy with you?
14. How long do therapy sessions typically last?
15. What is your availability and scheduling process?
16. Can you share a little about your experience supporting people who want to work on this issue (insert specific issue)?
17. Can you share your experience with (insert value/belief)?
18. How flexible are you with schedule changes and adjustments?
19. How do you measure progress and assess the effectiveness of therapy with your clients?
20. What identities or life experiences do you have that would be important for me to know?
For example, at Kinship Counseling Collective, we have several therapists with different specialties who can meet your needs. As you read through these quick bios, notice how you feel, who you are drawn to, and who sounds like they can best help you. Start building this muscle and trusting yourself. In today’s age, you don’t have to settle for just any therapist.
Raquel Wells, LCSW
Kinship Founder and Clinical Director
Clinical Social Worker Licensed in California & Oregon
Raquel brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to their work. With a commitment to anti-oppression and cultural humility, they strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all their clients. Their approach is grounded in deep listening and practical solutions, and they are always looking for creative ways to help others on their healing journey. With an intuitive sense of what their clients need, they are able to guide them toward greater self-awareness and self-acceptance. As someone who sits at the intersections of many identities, they bring knowledge and empathy to their work. Above all, they are an authentic and compassionate ally dedicated to helping others achieve their goals.
Nahrie Pierce, CASW
Mental Health Clinician
Associate Social Worker Registered in California
Nahrie is dedicated to providing a collaborative, client-centered approach to therapy. With a passion for working with clients who actively participate in their therapeutic journey, She is calm, personable, and supportive. Drawing from a range of theories, including existential, person-centered, and solution-focused, her approach is grounded in trauma-informed care. Nahrie believes in empowering clients to take an active role in their healing process and is committed to helping clients achieve their goals through a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship.
Danyelle Caruthers, CASW
Mental Health Clinician
Associate Social Worker Registered in California
Meet our Danyelle, who is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore and embrace unknown aspects of themselves. With a commitment to using a healing-centered, trauma-informed approach rooted in Humanistic theory and social justice values, she prioritizes the individual needs of each client while fostering an empathic and comforting environment.
Here at Kinship Counseling Collective, we focus on connecting amazing therapists with great-fit clients. But our clinicians are incredibly diverse—just like you.
Step 4: How to make Your decision
Remember that this decision is ultimately yours. Although it might seem overwhelming, you've already taken the necessary steps by considering what type of therapy you need, scheduling consultations with various therapists, and asking relevant questions. Now, it's time to focus on why you decided to seek a therapist in the first place and identify the qualities that matter to you in a therapist. Trust your instincts, and don't settle for the first therapist if it doesn't feel right. Finding the right therapist is a personal and significant decision, so take your time. It's not about perfection but about building a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship with someone who can support you within their professional and ethical obligations.
After a few consultations, start with the one you want to learn more about and do a few sessions (5-6) with them to see if they're right for you. Be honest if they're not; perhaps they will have thoughts on who or what type of therapy might be better.
Like clients, therapists have an "ideal" type of client or issue they want to work with, so the match is critical to both sides of this relationship. Honesty and feedback are essential to figuring this out.
At Kinship Counseling Collective, we understand how difficult this journey can be, both personally and professionally. We want to support everyone in finding their "right fit" and the therapist YOU can proudly say to anyone: "That is MY therapist!" "MY Therapist said xxx,” "I am so grateful for MY Therapist/Therapy," and "I am doing the work I need to be doing in MY therapy."