This is a sponsored guest post.
Do you ever just need someone to talk to? Are you looking for a third party perspective on a circumstance that you are going through? As a parent, there are many confusing situations that occur on a weekly basis. As you work to determine how to best care for your child and how to correct bad behaviors, you may feel discouraged or defeated. On top of the chaotic seasons of parenthood, you may be experiencing something personally. Whether you are working through a tough season with your spouse or feeling lonely in friendships, there are personal circumstances that you need help working through in order to improve your mental health.
Talking to a therapist on a regular basis is a great way to relieve some of the tension and stress you are feeling. Some people find it difficult to find a counselor they feel comfortable with. Thankfully, there are thousands of agencies with therapists that are ready to talk with you about the challenges you are facing. In this article, we will talk about the best tips for finding the right therapist for you.
1. Determine Your Non-Negotiables
Most people have preferences on the qualifications of the therapist they will be working with. Do you have a preference on the gender of the licensed counselor? Do you prefer meeting virtually or in-person? Do you have budgetary constraints? Many counseling centers offer reviews and testimonials from prior patients. In addition, some centers take medical insurance if you are looking to save some cash. If you plan on meeting in-person, search for centers that are in a manageable driving distance from your residence.
2. Identify Their Expertise
Some people choose to go to counseling to work through a specific challenge. Other individuals go to counseling to work through general anxiety or unhappiness. If there is something specific you want to work through, make sure the counselor you work with specializes in that area. If you are working through traumatic memories or PTSD, Trillium Counselling uses effective practices to help you transform your mindset. If you are working through family issues, there are many experts who specialize in family or marriage counseling. If you are grieving a loved one, consider going to a specialist who focuses on grief and loss.
3. Have an Initial Interview
If you identify a specialist that you are interested in working with, set up a time to get to know them. Although licensed therapists cannot disclose much personal information, you can get a feel for the chemistry in the conversation. Do you feel like the specialist responds appropriately to your questions and comments? Does the counselor seem to have intelligence and insight? Do they have extensive experience working with patients that have similar experiences as you do? If the conversation flows smoothly and you recognize their areas of expertise, you can choose to “make it official” by scheduling your first appointment.
4. Be Patient
As you disclose personal and intimate facts with your therapist, there are bound to be moments when you feel ashamed or uncomfortable. Be patient as you build a relationship with your counselor, understanding that it may take time to feel totally comfortable. If you feel judged or uncomfortable after being open-minded for multiple sessions, it may be a sign that this is not a good fit.
Summary
Finding the right counselor can be difficult. There are multiple steps for finding the right fit for you; you must do your research, determine if there is chemistry, and be open-minded. When you are going to invest time, emotions, and money into a therapy session, it is important that the professional that you are working with is experienced in dealing with the challenges you are facing. Counseling is a phenomenal way to work through fear and pain of the past, present, and future.
