What To Look For In A Therapist

Knowing what to look for in a therapist begins with knowing what you need in a therapist. Sounds obvious, but it can be surprisingly difficult to accurately assess what you need when you’re ready to ask for support because knowing you want help and knowing what kind of help you want are two different things. There are a couple of steps you can take to help you accomplish both without much pressure.

It’s okay if you don't know what you need

Not knowing what it is you want from your mental health support is totally normal; figuring it out is just part of the important work you can do with a therapist who is a good match for you. So when you’re not sure what you want or what your ultimate goal is in therapy, go back to the basics.

Reflect on what you need 

What ideas do you know are critical to your healing? Is there a kind of therapy you’ve had before that didn’t work, or something you never want to encounter? Have you had a particular experience you want your therapist to be familiar with? If you know you have some personal or professional values where alignment is important to feel safe or comfortable, consider those as well. 

Spend some time reflecting on your life in whatever way is most effective for you. That might be journaling, talking to a friend, or going on a hike. Some people find their truth between the pages of a novel or midway through their Netflix queue. The important part is that you’re honest with yourself about your needs. 

Make a list of questions you ask every potential fit  

Once you’ve worked out what you absolutely need in a therapist, use that knowledge to make a list of questions you’ll use to identify the right fit. You can begin using these questions when you’re looking through their websites and social media channels. Explore their content for answers to questions about the models and theories they use in session. Try to get a sense of personality compatibility, values, and interests from the information that’s readily available. 

Your questions can help you remove anyone who is absolutely not the right match while creating a list of potential options that you can reach out to via phone or email to consider scheduling the next step. 

Types of questions you may consider for your list are ones that pertain to accreditations and training in specific areas of importance for you, knowledge of problems or pain points relevant to your life, and questions about how the therapist handles challenging moments, in case you come up with any during your time together. It’s important that you know you’ll feel safe and comfortable even when you disagree. 

Tips from a therapist to find the right fit 

Ask for a consultation 

Never be afraid to ask a potential therapist for a few minutes to ensure you’re a good match. Consultations are often offered over the phone for 10-20 minutes so you can ask important questions before committing to a therapeutic relationship. 

Form and function matter 

If a therapist is too far away, charges more than you can afford sustainably, or is professionally at odds with your personal needs, the match won’t be good long-term. When you’re finding the right therapist, consider the way you work together and the logistics of the experience. 

Research the models and tools they use 

See a word you’re not familiar with or a therapeutic approach you’ve never tried? Look it up! Google is your friend when you’re trying out something new and using texts, research papers or even blogs from other therapists can help you to get a feel for what you may benefit from. 

Don't be afraid to take notes 

Whether you’re doing research, having a consultation, or in session, take note of the things that matter to you! Don’t be afraid to bring those notes to your sessions to get support with the things on your mind or, alternatively, to use your in-session notes as homework to explore on your own time. 

How will I know if it’s a good match? 

Finding the right therapist can be a confusing process but when you find a good match for mental health support, it will always be worth it. You’ll know it’s a good match when you feel safe enough to be honest with yourself and your therapist, while also being willing to be challenged. Therapy isn’t always comfortable but a good therapist will make sure you never feel so uncomfortable that you become resistant to the growth and healing that awaits you. 

If you’re ready to explore a new match for mental health support in the Akron area, get in touch today for a free 15-minute consultation.