How do I find the right therapist for me?
If you're on the hunt for a therapist, you may be feeling stuck or unsure of where to start. Chances are if you’re searching for support, you’re already stressed, overwhelmed, or struggling in some area of your life and this process can sometimes feel like one more hurdle to healing. We get it. We’re here to guide you through the process, making your search for a therapist as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Here are five steps to finding a right fit therapist:
1. Identify your needs
Before you start your search, take some time to reflect on what you're looking to address in therapy. Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, or depression? Is it a new struggle or have you been trying to cope with your symptoms for years? Who all needs to be involved? Just you? You and a partner? Your whole family? Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your options and find a counselor who specializes in areas relevant to you.
Scheduling: When are you available to attend sessions? Therapists, like any other professional, typically have standing working schedules. While some may have availability in the evenings or weekends, most will primarily offer appointments during the workday. Consider what times you could be available and look for therapists with hours listed in those windows.
Location: Where would you feel most comfortable engaging in therapy, in-person or online? (It’s important to note that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy!) In our post-pandemic society, many therapists continue to offer virtual sessions. Moving online can give you access to providers outside of your immediate area and often allow for more flexibility in scheduling. However, virtual sessions are not a good fit for some clients for a variety of reasons, and that’s okay too!
Budget: To be effective, most therapeutic approaches benefit from consistent, regular sessions to start. This often looks like weekly sessions for the first 4-6 weeks of your therapeutic process. Look at your budget and determine what you can afford to spend on therapy based on your current income. If you have insurance, give them a call to check your benefits and determine what may be covered.
2. Do your research
Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, it's time to start researching counselors in your area. While proximity might not be a factor for virtual therapy practices like ours, it's essential to find a counselor whose approach and expertise align with your needs. Check out their websites, read reviews, and don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare professionals.
3. Check their credentials
When it comes to receiving quality mental healthcare, your provider’s training, licensure, and experience matters. It is important to find licensed professionals in your area to ensure you are receiving standard and ethical care. In Ohio, a number of professions can provide mental health care, each with a different scope of practice. You can confirm you can confirm Ohio therapists’ credentials HERE. We recommend making sure your mental healthcare provider is licensed by their local state board and that their license is in good standing.
4. Consider their approach
Beyond credentials, you’ll also want to find a therapist who has experience working with clients who share similar concerns to yours. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and different counselors may utilize different therapeutic approaches. If you're not sure what types of therapy are out there, try doing a quick internet search for “therapy for (your issue here) ”. Read over the descriptions, and see if any sound like they would help you more than others. Then use that information to narrow down your search. Finding a therapist whose approach resonates with you can make all the difference in your therapy journey.
At Sea Glass, our team specializes in supporting adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, postpartum mood disorders, and couples counseling. Our clinicians have training in a variety of therapeutic techniques including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Gottman Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and sex therapy to be able to address the needs of clients with a diverse experiences and symptoms.
5. Go with your gut
Last but certainly not least, trust your instincts. Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and it's essential to feel comfortable and safe with your counselor. Pay attention to how you feel during your initial consultation and even your first session. Do you feel heard, understood, and supported? If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to explore other options until you find the right fit.
Finding the right counselor for your mental health needs can feel like an overwhelming task, but please remember that you're not alone. If you're ready to take the next step toward prioritizing your mental health, we invite you to reach out to us today. Together, we can navigate this journey toward healing and wellness.
Sea Glass Counseling and Consultation is an EMDR therapy practice in Dublin, Ohio. Our compassionate, skilled therapists use evidence-based techniques grounded in the neurobiology of stress, trauma, and relationships to make sure your treatment is personalized and effective. Sea Glass therapists provide telehealth counseling in Ohio for individuals and couples. We’re best known for providing Intensive EMDR therapy, anxiety treatment, and sex therapy for Christians. Interested in working together? Contact us today to get started with an EMDR therapist in Ohio.