Choosing the Best Therapist for You

Choosing a good therapist is very important. It doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few things to help you find who fits best for you.
First, start with some questions you might ask yourself. What kind of help do I want or need? What do I want to gain from being in counseling?  Do I have any specific goals in mind?
Next, are the important things you want to know about the counselor.  

1. Does the counselor have specific trainingin the areas I am wanting help? This is crucial.  For example, are they specifically trained in say Marriage and Family Therapy, Trauma Therapy, Sex Therapy? These are just a few.
2. Look at their media such as website, their google listing, their education, their specialized training.  How long have they been a therapist?  Do you have friends or family who had a good experience and feel they got good results with a particular therapist. 
3. Interview them on the phone or through email. Ask your questions.  You want some answers before you show up and pay good money and then realize you don’t “click”.  Do they answer them freely? Does it seem like they know what they are talking about? Do they seem caring? Are they specific, when you ask them a specific question? Vague answers don’t help.
4. Check the logistics that may be important to you…. cost, distance, office days and hours. Do they take your insurance?  Do they do online counseling if that is something you really want or need?​

Hopefully, you will have a good counseling experience by utilizing some of the above in your search for whoever you decide to see!