Depression, phobias, anxiety, stress… we all go through periods of our lives where we experience mental illness or just mental strain in general. Some find their peace in meditation, religion, journaling, or a combination of coping skills. Others seek out the help of a trained professional, such as a psychiatrist or a therapist.
In this episode, we’re going to be talking about choosing the right therapist. Keep in mind that this is just advice coming from someone who has been through many different seasons of life, someone who understands how challenging it can be to ask for help.
Here are two reasons why you should listen to the full episode.
- Discover how to begin the process of researching what kind of professional help may be available for you.
- Learn how to advocate for yourself by choosing a therapist that best suits your needs.
Resources
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Episode Highlights
Where Do You Begin?
- If you know you need or want help, you’ve already taken the first step.
- We all start at different paces, so head to your local library or pull up a Google search on your phone for counselors in your area.
- Keep credentials in mind when trying to decide which kind of professional will work for you.
How Do You Narrow Your Search?
- This is specific to your individual needs. If you are someone who struggles with disordered eating, seek out a professional with a history of working with clients on their relationship with food.
- There are a variety of specialities out there for counselors. Counselors can specialize in topics like trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, and personality disorders. Don’t be afraid to do some of your own research.
- You can also see if your counselor has published any research. Reading up on them before the session can ease some of your anxiety about seeing a new counselor.
- The goal here is to find a match for your needs.
How Do I Know I’ve Chosen the Right Therapist?
- When therapy is going well, both you and your therapist will know it.
- You will begin to see benefits over time such as changes in your behavior, thinking, or feeling. This isn’t going to happen overnight, but it should be something you are working toward.
- Feel free to ask your therapist if they are satisfied with your progress as a patient. They will help send you in a new direction if they believe you aren’t making much progress as their client.
What If Things Aren’t Going Well With Your Therapist?
- Don’t give up. You deserve to feel well and to get professional help.
- Just like medication and relationships – sometimes we have to try a few different things out before deciding what works for us.
- Ask your therapist or the organization your therapist is employed with if they can match you with a counselor that better meets your needs.
5 Powerful Quotes
- “There are many different kinds of professionals, personality types, and specializations to choose from, which can be overwhelming or intimidating.”
- “Do some independent research to find what resources are available to you. As a student, many universities offer counseling services. Some employers may offer health insurance incentives or initiatives to promote mental health.”
- “The level of schooling, certifications, and licensure that the counselor has is public knowledge. Credentials vary from titles such as licensed professional counselor, life coach, licensed master social worker, PhD, MD, or intern. Each indicates a different path that the counselor took or is taking.”
- “When our needs are being met, we know it.”
- “The goal is to continue on our mental health journey and avoid as many pitfalls in the system as possible.”
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Hosted By: Gregg Clunis | https://www.instagram.com/greggclunis/
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