Finding A Therapist That’s Right For You
Therapists or even the word “therapy” has always had a stigma around it. Seeking help is seen as a loss of control. If you’re not well-adjusted, then you “have” to go to a therapist. People will suggest it as an insult. Sometimes, people become judgmental and/or treat you differently. All of that on top of telling a stranger your darkest fears and current problems. It just doesn’t sound appealing.
In reality, you’re not that powerless, and therapy isn’t an ominous affair.
Consider this: we go to other professionals when something requires maintenance or to get a second opinion about a problem. A therapist is no different. Seeing one doesn’t mean that your life has spiraled out of control. It just means you need help managing the more difficult aspects of your life. Another common misconception is that going to therapy means that you need to be “fixed”. Saying that is very harsh and insinuates something much more harmful.
It’s hard to personally shake off the negative connotations, but understand that taking care of yourself is nothing to be ashamed of. Take pride in that you’re taking the necessary steps to make yourself feel better. The first step, of course, is finding a therapist that suits your needs.
You should feel comfortable. If the office staff or the therapist in question are rude or unhelpful, it’s not a safe place for you. Very much like going to a doctor, you should be told what forms you’re filling out. Overall, you should be properly assisted. If the process is too convoluted or exhausting, you’d be better going elsewhere.
Look into a therapist‘s declared services and specialties. Do they deal with children, autism & ADHD, LBGT+, or can provide a service in an alternate language? Visit their homepage and ask. You can even call or ask in person? If you can help it, never settle for someone who is ‘close’ to what you need. When looking for a therapist, learn more their specialties and the services they offer. Working with a professional who is perfect for you makes a world of difference.
You’ll want to work with a therapist who has an objective ear but knows how treat people on a case-by-case basis. This means that, on one hand, they are able to address issues where they might arise, but they understand that every person reacts to situations and problems in different ways.
Finally and just as importantly, stick with someone who can respect your boundaries whether it’s with medication or broaching certain topics.
Understand that this can be a long process. You have a difficult time finding the right therapist for you, and that’s okay. You deserve accurate, personalized care. Normalizing mental health care is long overdue. Don’t feel strange for taking care of yourself. It will be worth it in the end.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d love to help you!
912-421-9399
