So you’ve decided to start your healing journey! We know the process of finding the right therapist can be a very daunting one. Here are some ideas of how to get started:
Consider your schedule and financial needs. You may notice that every counselor and counseling center set their rates differently. Evaluate what you can afford on a regular basis. Then, look at your schedule and determine your availability. Keep in mind, your appointments may be as often as every week, so you’ll want to pick a therapist who can consistently see you when you are available.
Consider ahead of time what you are wanting to talk about or work on. Sometimes you will know all of your goals before you start, and sometimes you might discover the goals as you go along. If you know in general what you need to process and work on, find a therapist who specializes in that area.
When you see your therapist for the first appointment, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions! Afterall, you are paying them for a service! Some example questions -
Can you tell me about your counseling style?
Can you talk about how you integrate faith into our work together?
Do you have experience working with _____?
Also, don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if you don’t understand the paperwork you had to sign prior to your first session!
Notice how you feel while talking to your therapist. It is normal to feel anxious and uncomfortable the first few times, but you’ll definitely want to walk away feeling heard and understood. If your therapist says something you don’t like or that upsets you - don’t hesitate to say something! It’s possible your therapist can make appropriate changes and help you settle into counseling. Or, if it is not a good fit, they might be able to help you find a better option.
Try not to discredit potential therapists based on age, license level, or personal life experience. There are many amazing marriage counselors that aren’t married, children counselors that don’t have children, and addiction counselors that have never dealt with addiction. Young counselors can be very effective for the older generation, and some young people really enjoy talking with the older generation. Don’t be afraid of LPC - Associates either; they have a wealth of knowledge and consistent supervision to help them through cases. Focus more on how the counselor works, communicates, and treats your presenting issue than their personal life experience or age.
We hope this helps provide some clarity on finding a good therapist. If you are ready to start your healing journey, we encourage you to start looking for options in your area. Should Impact look like the right fit for you, feel free to call our amazing admin team and discuss your concerns with them - they will help you find the right fit! Don’t wait any longer to begin your healing journey!
Mikayla Bugh, LPC
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