It’s hard to know what kind of therapist will be good for you. There are many factors to consider. This guide will help you determine what to look for in your therapist search.
Let's start with how to find any therapist.
There are two great ways to do this:
If you are comfortable, ask around for recommendations. You might consider asking your primary care doctor, friends, or family. They may know someone with a good reputation and this can be an excellent way to start your search!
Look online using directories like Psychology Today or Therapy Den. These sites allow you to do an extensive search by selecting location, gender, race, issue, insurance/cost, etc. Therapists on these directories have bios that allow you to read about them. Some therapists even have a video introducing themselves and pictures of their office.
Aren't all therapist's the same?
When you are looking for a therapist, it can be tempting to think that all therapists are the same. However, this is not true! Therapists have different backgrounds and training; they have different approaches to therapy; and some may be more suited for your needs than others.
So how do you find a good fit? The best thing you can do is ask questions about what kind of experience the therapist has had in working with people like yourself before deciding whether or not they seem like someone who would be able to help you achieve your goals.
If you’ve been in therapy before, jot down some notes on the following question: What about that therapist felt helpful, and what felt unhelpful? Is there anything that might have been missing from the experience? When searching for your next therapist, take these answers into account.
Now that I know where to look, how do I choose?
If you have asked for recommendations or browsed the online directories, you might feel overwhelmed by all the choices. Here are some things you might consider (note that some of these will be more important to you than others):
Does the therapist specialize in issues that I am struggling with? (Anxiety, OCD, Depression, PTSD, ADHD, etc)
How long have they been in practice? (Bear in mind that sometimes you might actually want someone a little newer to the field- they tend to have a lot of enthusiasm for the work, are less likely to be burnt out, and are up to date on current research!)
Do they offer the type of therapy I am looking for? (CBT, ACT, EMDR, Psychoanalysis, IFS, Gestalt, etc).
Do they offer online or in-person sessions?
Is their office close to my home?
Do they have availability that fits my schedule?
Do they take my insurance? How much do the sessions cost?
Do they have good reviews?
If I did a consultation call with them, how did it feel?
You may have to try a few therapists before one clicks.
You may have to try a few therapists before you find one that you like, but continue looking until you find one that is a good fit for you and your needs. Don't give up! Just because one therapist didn’t feel helpful doesn’t mean that therapy isn’t for you. It’s all about the relationship between therapist and client.
You deserve to get the best care possible, so don't settle for less than what is right for you. If something doesn't feel right during your sessions with any therapist, don't be afraid to ask questions and switch therapists if necessary.
It's okay to end treatment if it isn't working out, especially if you are not getting what you need from therapy. Therapy is not a one size fits all solution, and sometimes finding the right therapist takes time and patience.
Begin Working With Our Team of Asheville Therapist
Finding a therapist isn't always an easy task, but when you find a good fit, it's worth it! The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with them. You deserve to be supported through your struggles! Our team of caring therapists is happy to offer support from our Asheville-based practice. You can receive support with in-person and online services by following these simple steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Start improving your mental health!
Other Services Offered with Strive On Counseling
Our team understands you may experience a number of mental health concerns. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of mental health services. Other services offered include individual counseling, anxiety treatment, EMDR trauma therapy, therapy for men’s issues, mindfulness, Buddhist counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, teletherapy/online therapy. Other resources we offer include guided meditations, supplements, a list of books and other useful resources, and online courses. If you would like more information about any of these services, please reach out today, and start doing therapy in North Carolina!