• Finding the right therapist for you

    Many factors come into play when choosing a therapist for yourself. Obviously location, cost and appointment availability have to work for you but there are sever other other important considerations that you should take into account before making an appointment.

    Relationship

    Research shows that the relationship between the client and therapist is the single biggest factor between success and failure in a course of therapy.

    The chemistry has to be there. Once you feel satisfied that your therapist has the right expertise, then it becomes a matter of “fit” between yourself and your therapist. Some questions you might want to ask yourself are:

    • Do I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts?
    • Are they attentive to what I am saying?
    • Are they responsive to my phone calls and requests for information or documentation?
    • Do I feel like I am getting what I need?

    If you can't answer these questions in the affirmative even in your initial phone contact, it’s unlikely you will in person. Keep looking until you find someone who makes you feel that it’s okay to be you.

    Research your choices

    Ask friends, family, colleagues or other therapists for recommendations. Don't be afraid to speak with therapists on the phone and ask your questions. While therapists usually don't answer right away when you call, phone messages should be returned the same day, or at least within 24 hours. Check out the therapist's website, read what they say about themselves and see how that leaves you feeling.

    Specialty areas and treatments

    All therapists have different treatment approaches and areas they work in. Ask any potential therapist to explain their approach in a way that makes sense to you. Ask what they consider to be their areas of expertise and what issues they have most success with. If you don't hear the therapist talking about the types of experiences you have or if the therapist seems to have a laundry list of specialties, you should probably look elsewhere until you find something closer to your needs.