Choosing a therapist that is a good fit is critical to achieving emotional well-being. Here are ways to help you choose a therapist that meets your needs:
- Determine your needs: Specify the particular difficulties or concerns you wish to concentrate on during therapy. Take into account the specific type of therapy you are interested in, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), somatic experiencing therapy (SE), or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Consider if you are seeking top-down or bottom-up therapy. Top-down psychotherapy, such as CBT or Psychodynamic Therapy focus on conscious thoughts and emotions to bring about change, while bottom-up psychotherapy, such as EMDR or SE, recognize the interconnectedness of mind and body utilizing a holistic framework that integrates both cognitive and physiological processes to provide comprehensive treatment for individuals with various mental health concerns.
- Begin by utilizing online directories such as Psychology Today, TherapyRoute, or GoodTherapy to find therapists near you. Consider filtering a therapist with specializations. Some therapists have expertise in specific areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, and use specific therapeutic modalities in their approach. To further refine your search, seek therapists with advanced certifications and training. For example, when seeking an EMDR therapist, go to EMDRIA.org and use their Find a Therapist option to check the level of their EMDR training. Seek a therapist who is an Approved Consultant or a Certified EMDR therapist.
- Verify Credentials: Verify if the therapist is licensed and possesses the necessary credentials in your region. Confirm their education, training, and any further qualifications. Review the reviews: Search for reviews and testimonies online, but keep in mind that individual experiences can differ. Initiate contact by emailing or calling possible therapists to inquire about their methodology, schedule, and charges. Share concerns and inquire about their expertise in handling such problems. Inquire about their availability, cancellation policies, and fees.
- Follow your instincts: Be mindful of your emotional state when you first interact with the therapist. Have confidence in your intuition; if something doesn’t seem right, it’s acceptable to consider alternative options. Consider the therapist’s office location, hours of operation, and accessibility. Consider the possibility of utilizing online therapy or a hybrid of in person and online for convenience.
- Consultation Session: Certain therapists provide a consultation or initial meeting to address your problems and assess your comfort level in working with them. At EMDR Transformations Counseling our therapists offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we may be a fit for you. Evaluate the therapy interaction throughout this time. Assess if the therapist has experience to meet your specific needs.
Keep in mind that it may take some time to discover the right therapist, and it is acceptable to test out multiple therapists before making a decision. Feeling comfortable and understood in the therapy interaction is essential for effectiveness.
