When you want to work on your outlook, mental well-being, or inner peace, a good psychologist provides the help and support you need. If you need help with your relationships, such as your marriage, psychologists specializing in couples counselling also prove particularly beneficial. But how do you find the right therapist? It can be hard to know where to look and, in fact, many people become derailed by the search and never make it into a therapist’s office. Below, Supporting Wellness identifies some of the best ways to find a professional suited to your specific needs.
Ask Other Professionals You Know for a Referral
Your doctor, dentist, accountant and lawyer all respect your confidentiality as a basic tenet of their service provision. These are great people to ask for a referral to a good psychologist. They spend their careers networking with other professionals and making these referrals, too. They likely know more than one to whom they can refer you for therapy or couples counselling.
Ask Friends or Family Members
Your friends and family members should respect your decision to seek therapy. You do not have to give them details of why you want this help and support. But they may know someone they can recommend. This is particularly true if you know they have sought similar help in the past.
Ask a Therapist or Other Mental Health Worker in Your Social Circle
If you have acquaintances who work in the mental health field, they are great resources for referrals. They will understand that you need support from someone from beyond your circle. If they do not know of someone off-hand, they can ask a co-worker for a referral.
Search the Internet
You can not only find a good therapist online but also learn more about their patient satisfaction. You can find listings for a multitude of therapists in your area and learn more about their practice, the types of therapy they offer and whether they seem to be a good fit for you. In these listings, look for links to their websites and check those out to learn more about their individual personalities, professionalism and focus. Most listings also provide insights like how long they have practiced, where they attended school and other qualifications.
Give Your Therapist a Chance
Finding a good psychologist is important. But once you find one, it is also important to give them a chance to help you. Attend a session to see if you feel comfortable talking to them and believe they can fit your needs. You need to form a foundation of trust before digging deeply into your personal concerns and needs.
All of this said it is important to allow your new therapist to earn your trust. This is a gradual process. You may not feel connected to them at first, but give it a few sessions to warm up. Remember that therapy is a long-term commitment, one founded incompatibility with your therapist.
Remember that Therapy Takes Time
There are no instant remedies in mental health treatment. Try to avoid setting unrealistic expectations, both for your therapist and your self-improvement. By doing so, you may just be avoiding making changes you need to make. Commit to therapy for enough time to see real improvement in your life, even if that commitment starts with one session at a time.
Consider New Treatment Methods
In the not-so-distant past, therapy only took place one-on-one with a licensed therapist in their office. Now, you have new options for your sessions, such as online therapy conducted over the internet. Consider these new avenues to treatment. They provide greater convenience and make getting to the therapist more affordable.