How Can I Find the Right Therapist?

Finding the right therapist isn’t easy. Sometimes we are able to find someone who is competent. I mean, they really know their stuff, but somehow the fit just isn’t right. In this post, I share some things you want to be on the lookout for when you are searching for the right therapist for you.

Search Engines and Referral Sites

Let’s start at the beginning. If you get a referral from a doctor, friend, or family member, you may likely find a good fit because your people know you and they know the therapist. If you are searching the internet, there are a few ways to find what you are looking for. You can search by the type of therapy you’d like, such as relational therapy. I have another blog post sharing more about what relational therapy is that you can check out. You could search by ethnicity if you would like to see someone that may be intimately acquainted with the culture you identify with most. The final thing you’ll definitely want to add is the city or state in which you live. That search may look like, “Black therapist in Bowie, MD,” or “Latino therapist in Maryland.” With the upsurge in therapists providing therapy via telehealth, you may opt for using your home state rather than your home city to cast a wider net.

Cultural Competence

Some people think that cultural competence means being well-versed in many different cultures. Most of us can’t pull that off because we’re busy learning about psychotherapy so we can be great therapists. In actuality, culturally competent therapists are the ones who are most curious. They’re the ones who say things like, “Teach me about your culture.” The ones who don’t assume they know you because they know a little about the culture or ethnicity from which you originated. Generally, those therapists will seek to honor your heritage with a deep curiosity and reverence for diversity.

Safety

Have you ever met someone and felt connected to them almost immediately? Or to go a step further, have you ever met someone and somehow felt comfortable enough to tell them something you haven’t told many, if any? People often ignore their instincts about whether or not someone feels safe, but when you are looking for a therapist, trust your gut. You know when someone’s personality seems to be inviting you into communion with them. The feeling of safety will be one of the building blocks of a successful therapeutic experience. The truth is, multiple studies have found that the most important indicator of therapeutic success is found in the therapist-client relationship.

Availability

There is nothing worse than finding a great therapist… that you can never see because your schedules don’t line up. Scheduling unavailability can be a barrier to consistent therapy, and inconsistent sessions can be conducive to regression and or relapse. So, find a therapist that you can get in to see as regularly as you need to. Another fix for this is to schedule as far out as you can so that you can book the days and times that work best for you.

Mutual-Fit

Even if you have received a referral from a friend, the final tip is to schedule a mutual-fit call before you start therapy. Many therapists offer a free, initial call or consultation. A mutual-fit call will help you feel out the potential therapist and give you the opportunity to look for some of the above-mentioned qualities. Once you jump on the call, ask as many questions as you need to in order to figure out if it will be a good fit. Finally, If you start therapy and find it isn’t working out, don’t give up. Keep searching until you find the right fit. Happy searching!

If you’re in Maryland and you need a relational therapist, you can schedule a mutual-fit call with me. I would love to support you in your mental and emotional health goals.