How to Find a Therapist With the Right Vibe for You
LET’S BE HONEST, IT’S HARD OUT THERE!
Ah, finding the right therapist, a task that can be daunting and intimidating - it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is made up of a million different websites and directories all claiming to have the best therapists in town. Even though we like to think we are pretty great here at GCC, we know we may not be a good fit for everyone and it is important to make the right choice for you!
So fear not - there are some helpful tips to aid you in your quest. You can always get in touch with us if you need more support or have questions.
Identify your needs
Do you need someone who has experience with anxiety, trauma, body image? Do you want someone with a hard-core poker face or someone who will raise an eyebrow and be more animated in session? Do you want in-person therapy, telehealth sessions, walk-and-talk therapy, or extended sessions? In order to find the therapist that fits your needs you first have to be able to talk about what those needs are.Take a beat and think about why you are coming to therapy and what qualities you would like in a therapist.
Talk to people you trust
Don't be shy about asking for recommendations because sometimes it can be helpful to see a therapist that someone you trust feels comfortable with. Just be aware that many therapists won’t see family members or friends of current clients to ensure you get the best, unbiased care. But, chances are their therapist knows someone with a similar style or specialty!
Credentials and vibes
When you're searching online, every therapist has a string of letters after their name. If you are unsure what they mean, ask them to explain their training and credentials. But remember, more letters does not necessarily equal better care. Reach out to see if they offer a free consultation so you can get an idea of who they are. If it is really important to you that your therapist has a sense of humor, finding someone who fits the bill can make all the difference in your experience in sessions, no matter how many letters come after their name.
Trial and error
Don't be afraid to go on a "first date" with potential therapists and schedule a few consultation calls. It's totally normal to try out a few different therapists before you find the right one. A good therapists will always encourage this and offer referrals if needed. After all, therapy is like dating - it's all about finding someone who gets you and makes you feel comfortable!
Reach out
If you email a therapist and never hear back, that silence is your answer. You want someone that will acknowledge and respect you and your time. Don’t shy away from emailing several therapists with any questions you may have. Check their websites and profiles to get an idea of who they are as a person. If your gut tells you you may vibe with a particular therapist, lean in and connect with them.
Don’t. Get. Discouraged.
This might be the most important tip of all. We know that most of us reach out to therapist when our mental health is at a low. Trying to summon the courage to reach out to multiple people for help can feel insurmountable. Try to keep going. If you are running low on energy and it feels overwhelming, ask friends or family for help, if you feel comfortable. Take care of yourself while you are searching. Your time is an investment in your future.
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