Click here to enable calls. Let's help some parents today!

How to choose your next therapist, from a therapist!

Samantha Rynderman | May 18, 2023

One of the most common barriers to therapy, other than insurance or finances is finding a therapist you actually like!

I've talked to clients and therapists alike trying to get an understanding about what makes a client therapist relationship work.

I'm going to share a few helpful tips that will guide you toward making an informed decision, before you meet with your next therapist.

  1. Is this therapist familiar with your background?
  • First of all, a therapist does not have to be from the same race, gender, culture, ethnic or religious background as you are to be a great fit. What can improve a therapeutic connection, however is if they do have either educational, personal, or professional experiences or training with clients of your background. Having a therapist that is familiar with cultural diversity can improve the quality, trust, and benefit of the therapeutic experience.
  • You might ask, have you had clients like me? Are you familiar with 'x' aspect of my background? Have you helped clients with 'y' problem?
  • Asking questions during a consultation can confirm whether your therapist has experience with clientele like yourself or may be less familiar with people of your background.

2. Does this therapist specialize in the problems I'm dealing with?

  • Are you battling trauma, addiction, postpartum depression...? There could be a number of things you could be challenged with, so you should feel entitled to have a therapist who has professional experience or training in the areas you want to work on most.
  • Meeting with a therapist who has qualified experience or training in the areas you need help with most can immensely increase the positive outcomes you experience from therapy.
  • Many therapists have special training or certifications in clinical interventions that are meant to treat specific mental health conditions (i.e. PTSD) or more broadly family/relationship issues.

3. How is your therapist's bedside manner?

  • So you found a therapist who is familiar with your background and they have great professional experience, but how do you feel when you are with them in the room (or virtually). Most therapists offer free consultations, so spend some time getting of sense of what you like or possibly not prefer about the provider.
  • Just as doctors, not one therapist is alike even if they went to the same school or had the same training. Much of what makes or breaks a therapeutic relationship is if you feel a positive presence from your therapist.
  • It's important to remember that therapists are people too and are not perfect, but here are some characteristics that make some therapists more compassionate than others. Things to look for are: kindness, patience, good listening, flexibility, empathetic, and passion for what they do.

Related Blogs

Gestational Diabetes

Megan Wisner BSN, RNC-OB | Aug 3, 2022


This diagnosis does not have to be as scary and daunting as it may first sound to you with the right guidance, support and outlook you and your baby will make it through JUST FINE! :)

Limiting Beliefs

Angela K. Tuck | Sep 12, 2022


Many of us hang on to beliefs we developed when we were too young to know any better. What do you want to believe? What are the beliefs that have kept you from getting these results so far? Let's understand where our beliefs come from.

Love to Hate Tinder, the Online Dating App?

Lisa Hawkins | Nov 14, 2022


Tinder is a hot dating app that women love to hate. I hear women all the time saying, “I’m done dating! I’m so over it. All I get are men that want hookups.”

Lovability

Angela K. Tuck | Nov 22, 2022


You are 100% lovable just as you are.

How to be mindfully present during the Holidays

Valerie Lundgren CHC, CMC | Nov 28, 2022


Stress, Overwhelm, Presents, People, Obligations, Family. It can seem so daunting and overwhelming, but with some helpful holiday tips you will be as calm as turtle dove in a pear tree.

Kids Growth Spurts: How Fast Do Kids Grow

I Help Moms | Jan 5, 2023


Is your kid developing normally? Rather than fixating on arbitrary goals, discover the truth from our certified parenting coaches.

Beliefs

Angela K. Tuck | Mar 15, 2023


A story about a forty-five pound box and the belief systems surrounding the truth.

Failing Forward

Angela K. Tuck | Mar 16, 2023


If failure is not meeting your expectations then success is meeting your expectation.

Wheel of feelings

Angela K. Tuck | Mar 17, 2023


A lesson in feelings and the thoughts that control them.

Women, when we ignore our needs to keep a man!

Lisa Hawkins | Mar 24, 2023


Often, in my sessions, I speak to women only to find that they are ignoring their needs to keep the relationship going. If this is you, read on.