How To Find A Therapist

Whenever I post about anxiety or therapy or mental health, I get the most meaningful responses.  I’m both sad knowing someone isn’t feeling joy everyday, but also happy to know something as simple as me saying I go to Therapy – helps.

I’ve shared my anxiety breaking point, my panic attack (here).  And I’ve shared the 3 myths about Therapy (here).  But I haven’t shared information on finding a therapist for yourself.  One of the major reasons I didn’t start seeing a therapist at a much younger age was because I didn’t know what I was looking for or where to start.  I can’t tell you how many times I went through therapists bio’s hunting for the “right” one, but winding up nowhere.   If I only knew how easy it was I would’ve started going to counseling at a younger age & possibly even prevented my later debilitating anxiety.   That’s why I recommend you own your feelings & go talk about them if you have even a hint of a feeling that you should.

Because finding a therapist was so hard for me to figure out, I never knew how to help someone else find one.  I was super lucky that I had a close friend share her therapist info with me, I knew I would connect w her because I connected w my friend so well.

For you guys, I brought this question to MY therapist:  How the heck does someone find a therapist as cool as you?!

How To Find Your Therapist

Psychology Today (HERE)  

My therapist said this is a great place to start when you’re looking for a therapist.  When you get on the site, search first by location.  Make sure you’re widespread enough that you have options, if you’re in a smaller city you may have to widen the search.  Then search by treatment.  For example, anxiety.  (In my opinion, don’t get caught up on the treatment selection.  This is simply a way to narrow down the search.)  Then decide if you’re using insurance.  From there, if you prefer a male or female, narrow the search down further.  Then, view photos & read bios!  I did this myself as if I was looking for a therapist & literally have a list of 3 people I’d love to talk to.

This is the step I always ended up getting stuck on.  I found people who looked like great therapist’s, but never set up a consultation.  Don’t let the bio’s & details of each individual overwhelm you, just get in to the appointment & get started!

Therapist vs Counselor vs Psychologist 

Don’t overthink titles!  You guys, I once had the lowest job title in a company YET, carried the weight of my asshole, high titled, Senior boss.  I could easily answer more questions than he could.  I’ve had people in Medical School give me more direction than doctors w high premiums.  Be open-minded to all titles!  I’ve noticed after looking through Psychology Today that counselors & therapists are typically more AFFORDABLE than a psychologist, so give them some attention!  They are educated & passionate & not to be dismissed.  I believe Psychologists are the ones that can legally prescribe medications, but (in my opinion) you should absolutely feel comfortable starting with a counselor, especially if spending money on your mental health has been a concern.

Quick story, when I first went to my therapist I asked her if she could prescribe medicine because I was 100% sure that was the ONLY thing that could give me a break!  I was positive I had a chemical imbalance that could only be cured w a prescription.  She couldn’t.  She did give me contact info for a recommended psychologist, but I decided to follow through w my therapist first & go to a psychologist if things didn’t get better.  So far, so good.

Call For Consultations 

My therapist recommended setting up a consultation with a 3-4 different therapists if you’re concerned you’ll have trouble connecting with one.  Having these consultations might make picking one a little easier?  My first consultation was w the therapist I go to today.  I cried so hard the entire time, I have no idea what I or she said.  Remember, I thought I was dying & the therapist couldn’t save me so I went to her for more of a due diligence than anything else.  Wow have things changed.  To note, a lot of therapists offer free consultations.  Use the consultation as a time to interview them or ask any questions, concerns or doubts that you have.

Make the Investment 

GUYS!  Finding a therapist is a major life investment!  You have to put in work in the beginning appointments so you build trust between you & your chosen therapist.  This means time & money – but it’s worth it.  Once you’ve gone to several appointments, you’ll build TRUST, and before you know it you’ll feel amazing & ready to rock the rest of your LIFE.  And whenever anything gets fuzzy in your life, you’ll have a powerful tool to lean on because the trust is already established.

Have A Goal 

This is a tricky one, but try to have a goal.  Not a goal for the session, but a goal for your therapy experience.  For example, maybe you want to be happier.  You can say that.  Maybe you want to feel less worried all the time.  Maybe you want to enjoy simple things.  Maybe you want to get less angry.  Maybe you want to eat better!  Or a stronger relationship.  Whatever it is, figure it out for that first consultation so you can be confident saying it.  And by the way, it’s completely ok to say something as simple as I want to be happier.  This goal will likely change throughout your relationship with the therapist but having a starting point is helpful in the consultations.

My biggest tip is to follow through for yourself.  Get on the website, set up a consultation, and knock it out.  Don’t hesitate or think you can handle it yourself – because you don’t have to.  You can have a therapist to be your friend along the way.  How comforting is that?

I’m happy to continue the conversation, I can’t tell you how relieved I feel when people reach out to me about this topic.  My scariest nightmare is imaging people struggling every day with their minds, because I’ve been there.  And you don’t need to be.

Have a great weekend!  I love you guys!!

Be thoughtful

Xx