How to find a therapist near me
Finding a therapist can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But it doesn’t have to be. There are a number of resources available to help you find a therapist who is right for you.
Here are a few tips:
- Think about your problem, is it depression, anxiety, your marriage or relationship, there are many types of therapist who offer services for your needs. If you are in doubt, ask your doctor for their opinion.
- Ask your doctor for a referral. Your doctor can be a great resource for finding a therapist. They may know of therapists in your area who specialise in the type of therapy you need.
- If you do not understand details of different approaches, then look for an intergative counsellor. They have been trained on different approaches and will use one or a mixture based on what they feel is best for you.
- Ask your friends, family, or other trusted people for recommendations. If anyone you know has seen a therapist in the past, ask them for a recommendation. They may be able to tell you about their experiences and whether or not they think the therapist would be a good fit for you.
- Search online directories. There are a number of online directories that list therapists in your area. These directories can be a helpful way to narrow down your search and to learn more about different therapists. BACP and Counselling-directory are notable – I am on both.
- Do you want in-person or video counselling. It is good, if possible, to meet the counsellor during your therapy.
Create a list
Once you have a list of potential therapists, it’s important to do some research to find the right one for you. Here are a few things to consider:
- What type of therapy do you need? There are many different types of therapy, such as integrative, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. It’s important to choose a therapist who specializes in the type of therapy you need.
- Does the therapist cover your problem area. Some therapists will say they can cover every ailment. Others will say they specialise in just a few subjects. The latter are more likely to help you as their daily work will keep the abreast of the subject you need.
- What are your therapist’s qualifications? Make sure your therapist has the appropriate training and experience.
- What is your therapist’s approach? Some therapists are more directive and others are more non-directive. It’s important to choose a therapist whose approach is a good fit for you.
- Is your therapist affordable? Make sure your therapist’s fees are affordable for you.
Next steps to find a therapist
Once you’ve found a few therapists who seem like a good fit, you can schedule a consultation. This is a chance to meet the therapist and to see if you feel comfortable with them. Some therapists will offer free short sessions to get to know them. You should also ask the therapist any questions you have about their practice and their approach to therapy.
How to find a therapist - summary
How to find a therapist near me. In summary it can be a journey, but it’s worth it to find someone who can help you to achieve your mental health goals.
Further reading about me and my therapy specialisations see here
