09/05/2024
Finding a Therapist
This is a big deal for some of us. Deciding we need support to process difficult emotions, life transitions, to process grief, or to face anything challenging that might be coming up in our lives takes effort. I appreciate that the stigma around seeking therapy is diminishing, but the process of finding a therapist can still be a bit daunting. Here are a few things to hopefully make that leap a bit easier.
Where do you find someone? I personally always look to the people in my life for ideas and resources. Google has been a huge gift but it’s like entering into a world of fractals where one thing leads to another then another, and soon you can feel completely overwhelmed with options. So, try asking people you trust if they have a therapist they would recommend and follow up by asking, “What do you like about how they work with you? What ways do they help you and what is their personality like?” You don’t have to disclose why you might be seeking a therapists, but it could help you find a person that would fit well with you. A side note: You may not want to see the same therapist your friend or family member sees, so this might not be an option….it’s just a good starting point. Another note: if you do feel like your friend’s therapist could be just who you’re looking for, you don’t have to let that therapist know you and a friend are sharing.
Psychology Today is great and also a bit overwhelming. But there are ways to narrow your search. Filters that show who is taking new clients, which insurance you use, gender, issues of focus, etc. are a huge help. Use the filters! If you find someone who seems like a good fit, check out their website, send an email or call and remember to leave a message. You might want to reach out to a handful of therapists since I hear that a lot of therapists are full and not always returning the inquiry.
Mental Health Match and Therapy Den are other options to try since you will have the option to find a therapist who might specialise in what you are looking for. I’ll be digging into what to look for and specializations in an upcoming post. Feel free to leave a comment with any questions about places to find a good therapist.
