How to Find the Right Therapist?
I understand it can be daunting to find the “right” therapist. You may look at different websites, read profiles and don’t know how to pick the right one for you. There are many different terms used to describe someone who is in the role of a ‘therapist’, such as a counsellor, therapist, social worker or psychologist. To help clear any uncertainty, I wanted to give you a few tips on how to pick the therapist that is going to be right for you!
If they have a profile on a website, read their details on the population and key issues of concern that they provide treatment to. Many people will say they work with children, youth, adults and families, but when you read into their profile you will notice they primarily work with a specific population. For marketing, they may mention they work with all ages or issues, so look for the details!
Ask for a free consultation. Many therapists will offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to briefly ask questions about how they can support you. Have a list of questions ready so you use your time wisely. Create your questions around the most important needs, such as cost, scheduling, primary concerns, and therapist experience. You can see this consultation as a mini-interview. I find from this consultation you can usually get a “vibe” if this therapist is right for you!
Book an intake appointment. If you book the intake session, and you leave not feeling connected to the therapist, that is OKAY. Sometimes you don’t always hit it off right in the first session, and it may take another appointment, or not at all. Do not feel pressured to continue to book with a therapist that you don’t feel understands you. If you like the therapist but something is missing, let them know. Let them know what works for you and what doesn’t. A good therapist will appreciate feedback. I understand it can be a lot of money and time you are spending to take care of yourself, so I always tell my clients, please let me know if I said something or recommended something that didn’t work for you.
Lastly, if you want to claim these services under your private health benefits, they must be registered with a professional body or College (ie. CRPO, OCSWSSW, CPBAO). By this, you also know that their practice must be regulated, therefore practicing therapy from an ethical and policy-agreeing manner.
“Therapy is like driving down a long road with traffic lights and stop signs. You are the driver, and your therapist is your passenger making playlists, making small talk and reading the road maps to help you make decisions and discoveries along the way.”
- Me