5 Steps to Finding the Right Therapist for You

Written By Rebecca Mealer

As you begin looking to start therapy, it can seem incredibly overwhelming to wade through healthcare information, theoretical orientations, psychological jargon, and therapist bios. Rest assured, while some of these factors are important, the most influential factor is actually quite simple. The relationship between you and your therapist will most impact your healing process in therapy.

Simply stated, therapy is being in a safe space with your therapist where you are able to connect and explore your own self.

Here are a few tips on how to choose the right therapist for you:

  1. Define your “why” for seeking out therapy. Here are some questions to ask yourself: What is causing me pain, dysfunction, discontentment, confusion, limitation, or unwanted emotions? When you become clear on what you are seeking help for, it brings clarity to the search.

  2. Determine the practical factors that will impact your choice. Nothing is more frustrating than having a consultation with a therapist who you feel connected to and then discovering they don’t fit the following criteria. Here are a few practical factors to consider:

    1. Method of therapy that you desire: in-person or telehealth

    2. Availability in your schedule for weekly sessions

    3. Cost

    4. Insurance coverage, if using insurance.

  3. Reach out to potential therapists by calling or emailing more therapists than you think is reasonable. We call this casting a wide net. Sometimes emailing therapists can be a bit easier. Create a text clipping of what you are looking for and what practical factors are important for you. Then copy and paste that text clipping in multiple emails to a variety of therapists. Trust the right therapist will respond to you.

  4. Ask to speak to the therapist over the phone for a 15-minute consultation. Voice-to-voice contact can tell you so much about the therapist and the potential relationship you can have with the therapist. Does the therapist listen well? Does the therapist ask questions and interact with you in a comfortable way? Does the therapist answer your questions with ease and clarity? How do you feel while on the phone with them?

  5. If you feel heard and understood on the phone, take the next step and schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that as a client, you determine who your therapist is. Later in the process, if you determine that the therapist is no longer a fit for you, you can end treatment at that time.

As you search for the therapist who is right for you, we at Mealer Family Therapy would be honored to be considered for your therapeutic needs. Reach out to the particular therapist you feel connected to using their HIPAA compliant contact information on their bio. We look forward to working with you.

Rebecca Mealer