How do I Find the Right Therapist for me? Here’s A Step by Step Guide
Finding the right therapist for you is an important step in addressing your therapy goals and needs.
How can you find a therapist who can provide you with the professional expertise and also offer a safe and supportive environment for you?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Understand Your Concerns, Symptoms and Goals
Before searching for a therapist, reflect on what you’re looking for in therapy.
- What’s your primary concern that you would like support with? (e.g. to manage anxiety and worry, to overcome unhealthy perfectionism, to address low mood, to build self-confidence and self-belief)
- Do you have preferences for the therapist’s characteristics? (e.g., gender, age, cultural background).
- What’s your goal? (e.g. managing anxiety and stress, feel more calm, lift mood, improve communication and relationships, become more confident, overcome fear & self-doubt).
Where to Find Them:
There are several ways to find a therapist:
- Ask your GP for a referral, particularly if you’re in Australia and want to access therapy under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) (your GP will determine your eligibility for the MHCP + Medicare rebates).
- Seek recommendations from friends, family, or trusted colleagues.
- Search for therapists using various online directories:
- Australia: Psychology.org.au (Australian Psychological Society Directory), Healthdirect.
- Global: Psychology Today.
- Community Resources
- Non-profit organisations like Beyond Blue or Headspace (for youth) offer therapy and mental health resources.
Evaluate Qualifications
Make sure the therapist is qualified and licensed to practice.
- In Australia, check that the therapist is registered with:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
- Medicare (if seeking rebates).
- Verify their area of expertise aligns with your needs (e.g., anxiety management, trauma therapy, couples counselling).
Consider Practical Factors
Logistics can play a role in the therapeutic process.
- Location: Is the therapist nearby, or do they offer telehealth services?
- Availability: Do their hours align with your schedule?
- Cost: What are the fees, and does your insurance or Medicare cover them?
- Session Frequency: Can they meet your desired frequency (e.g., weekly, fortnightly)?
Research Therapy Styles
Therapists practise in specific modalities or a combination of specific modalities. Some common approaches include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns rooted in past experiences.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Combines mindfulness practices with therapy to manage stress and emotions.
Choose a therapist whose approach resonates with you.
For more information on Harriet’s therapeutic style and approach, check out the About Section of our website.
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Most therapists, like Harriet, offer an initial session to determine if you’re a good fit. During this meeting:
- Ask Questions:
- What’s your approach to therapy?
- Have you worked with other people experiencing similar challenges?
- How do you structure sessions?
- What are your expectations of clients?
- Assess Comfort Level:
- Do you feel heard and understood?
- Is the therapist warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental?
- Do you feel comfortable sharing personal details?
Evaluate the Fit
After a few sessions, reflect on whether the therapist feels like the right fit for you:
- Do you feel progress? Even if it’s slow, is there a sense of forward motion? Are you clear on the goals of therapy and steps you are taking to achieve those goals?
- Is the relationship collaborative? You and your therapist should be working together.
- Do you feel respected? You should feel valued and empowered in sessions.
Finding the right therapist can be like finding a pair of jeans; sometimes it takes time to find the one who is the right fit. Therefore, it is okay to try a few therapists before you find the right one. Trust your instincts—if something does not feel right, you are welcome to chat to your therapist about it if you feel comfortable to do so and/or explore other options.
Leverage Technology
Many therapists, such as Harriet, now offer telehealth sessions, making therapy more accessible.
- Platforms: Use secure and reputable services like Zoom, Skype, or specialised therapy platforms.
- Advantages: Convenient for those in remote areas or with busy schedules. People may also feel more comfortable doing therapy in their own home.
Be Patient and Persistent
Finding the right therapist can take time, but it’s worth the effort. Therapy is a deeply personal journey, and the relationship with your therapist is crucial to its success.
Key Takeaway
The right therapist for you will provide a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for your healing, and a plan for treatment that is clearly aligned with your goals and what’s important to you. Take your time, ask questions, and trust the process. Your mental health is worth the investment.
If you’re considering therapy and ready to take the first step in your therapy journey, you are welcome to head to our online bookings page, and book an initial appointment with Harriet.
