How to Find a Good Therapist (that’s a fit for you!)
Spending 50, or more, minutes opening up to a therapist can feel intense! It is understandable that you’d want to feel comfortable when talking about your emotions and trauma. Here are 4 things to consider when you’re searching for a mental health professional to work with:
Identify your needs
It can get confusing fast when looking at types of therapy, what heck is Conative-behavioural Theory or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing? There is no need to deep dive into research about types of therapy (unless you want to!), but consider reading websites and blurbs about therapists to narrow down the support you’re looking for. For example, if you suffer from anxiety, then make sure it’s mentioned as an area of expertise in their bio. If you’re in Canada, try Psychology Today to search for a therapist or the American Psychology Association if you’re in the US.
Consider your needs
Do you feel shy about opening up or maybe you prefer hearing that others are experiencing similar challenges? This will help you decide if you want to work one-on-one with a therapist or if you would prefer a group session. A third option is to sign up for an online therapeutic course, like our First Step Course. Our course allows you to meet your needs on your own schedule and in the comfort of your own home. We know that people learn in many different ways and have different comfort levels! Plus, our online course is cheaper than repeated therapy appointments.
When it comes to online versus in-person sessions, there are pros and cons to each. The comfort of your own home means that you have the freedom to cry or journal immediately after your session without having to make your way home. On the flip side, a therapist’s office can have a calming effect knowing that you’re held and seen in their office—it becomes a safe space for your body, mind, and words. The choice is yours!
Planning for the cost
Therapy isn’t just an investment in your wellbeing, it comes with a financial fee too. One thing you might want to consider first is if you have insurance that will cover part of the cost of your regular sessions. To check if you have coverage, reach out to your insurance provider and ask if you are covered for services rendered by a registered psychotherapist. You will also want to clarify if coverage is only within your province/state, what percentage of each individual session is covered, and what is the total claimable amount for the calendar year. Also, if you’re a student or public servant, you might have mental health resources included as an additional benefit.
Feeling it out
Even if you get a referral from a doctor or friend, you likely won’t know for sure if a therapist is right for you until you meet with them for the first few sessions. Consider how you feel opening up to this person. Do you like how they speak to you? Do you enjoy getting ‘homework’ to do in between sessions? Do you feel safe and heard in their presence? There is no right or wrong answer to these questions—trust you gut! There are no hard feelings if you have to move on until you find a good fit for you and your needs.
💛 Your peace awaits.
