You have decided that you want to give therapy a try. Congratulations on taking the first step towards your wellness! By now you may or may not have figured out that not every therapist is right for every client. Here are seven ways to help you find the right one for you.
1. Licensure: It goes without saying that a qualified therapist is going to have at least a Master's degree and be fully licensed to practice psychotherapy. But there are different types of therapists and it's important to consider their type of education to choose the right one for you.
Psychiatrists typically treat conditions that require medication. They are medical doctors and have advanced training in treating psychiatric conditions. Typically, they don't have lots and lots of time to talk about what's on your mind.
Psychologists have a Doctoral degree and that means that they have advanced training beyond a Master's degree. They can do clinical work, education, as well as research. They might charge more than a therapist with a Master's degree because of their advanced education.
Counselors, sometimes referred to as Therapists or LPCs have a Master's degree in psychology or counseling and are specifically trained to help you with any issues you may be experiencing.
Social Workers have Master's degrees as well. This profession is very vast and we are trained in many areas. Not all social workers are clinicians. You want to look for a social worker who has an LCSW after his or her name. This means that he or she has gone through specific clinical training and is able to treat individuals, families and groups in therapy.
Psychiatrists typically treat conditions that require medication. They are medical doctors and have advanced training in treating psychiatric conditions. Typically, they don't have lots and lots of time to talk about what's on your mind.
Psychologists have a Doctoral degree and that means that they have advanced training beyond a Master's degree. They can do clinical work, education, as well as research. They might charge more than a therapist with a Master's degree because of their advanced education.
Counselors, sometimes referred to as Therapists or LPCs have a Master's degree in psychology or counseling and are specifically trained to help you with any issues you may be experiencing.
Social Workers have Master's degrees as well. This profession is very vast and we are trained in many areas. Not all social workers are clinicians. You want to look for a social worker who has an LCSW after his or her name. This means that he or she has gone through specific clinical training and is able to treat individuals, families and groups in therapy.
2. Theoretical Orientation: This is a fancy phrase that basically means school of psychological thought. There are many volumes written on this topic, and I certainly cannot do it justice in a simple blog post. If researching every theoretical orientation sounds daunting to you, it’s because it is. Never fear, here’s the basic 411:
Psychodynamic therapists will likely explore your childhood to help determine the roots of your specific issues. This type of therapy is very time-consuming; it may take a lifetime. But it really gets to the root of the issue.
Behavioral or CBT therapists focus on the here and now. To a CBT therapist, the thoughts and behaviors of right now matter a lot more than the reasons behind them.
Solution-Focused therapists are problem solvers. If you have a specific problem and you want it solved, this is the type of therapist you’re looking for.
Family Oriented Systems therapists will help solve family issues. Often they have the letters LMFT after their names, but not always.
Eclectic therapists (like me) will pull from different orientations and choose a combination of what works best for each individual client.
When you’re considering a therapist, and you ask for his or her theoretical orientation, make sure that he or she explains it to you until you understand exactly what you’re being told. Now is not the time to be shy. Make sure to call and ask questions. If a therapist is not willing to spend at least ten minutes on the phone answering questions before the initial session, maybe this is not the right fit for you.
3. Reputation: It’s no secret that the best way for any professional to gain a client base is through word-of-mouth. There is a reason for this. When people are happy with the service that they are provided, they like to share the good news. If your doctors, family or friends recommend a specific therapist, chances are that they have your best interest at heart.
4. Price/Insurance Accepted: The old adage, "you get what you pay for" does not always apply. You want a therapist who you can afford or you wont be able to continue going. Therapy only works if you keep going. Look for one who will work with you if they do not accept your insurance. While a therapist needs to charge a fee as he or she is likely supporting a family and this is his or her livelihood, often more expensive ones are not necessarily better. If you can't find someone you're comfortable with who accepts your insurance, see if you can find an affordable therapist out of network.
5. Availability: Obviously, you only want to see a therapist who has time in her schedule to see you. But availability is more than that. You need a therapist who can talk to you or has someone else covering for him after hours. You may have a crisis or emergency and you're going to want someone who is reachable and returns your messages.
6. Demographics: Age, gender, cultural sensitivity and even physical appearance can be important when selecting a therapist. You will definitely want someone who can make you comfortable. Being at ease can be the difference between focusing on your differences and focusing on your issues. In therapy it is important not to get hung up on a therapist's demographics instead of getting your work done. So make sure that you are absolutely comfortable with your choice.
7. Your Gut: Have you ever met someone and felt that something was wrong without actually being able to put your finger on the issue? That's your gut trying to protect you. If you feel this way after meeting your therapist, there is no shame in telling your therapist that it is not a good fit. We are trained professionals and we don't take these things personally.
