This is a great question, and actually a question I grapple with a LOT. Why? Because I regularly refer out to other therapists when my schedule is full, or when I’m not the right match for the client that calls. So I want to match them up with “the right” therapist.
“Ok, so how how do you find the right therapist?”
It’s really important to “kick tires” before you commit to therapy. Talk to therapists - most have a free phone conversation you can take advantage of. Some, like me, have a free 30 minute introduction where you can understand how they think about problems you grapple with, and allow you to see their style in the room.
Two things to think about when you’re talking to a prospective therapist are:
Do I feel listened to?
Do I feel a sense of trust?
If I had to pick between the two, feeling a sense of trust is really where the rubber hits to road for people. In therapy outcome studies, the client-therapist relationship is the #1 factor in satisfaction of therapy outcome. But I say both of those because when you’re just engaging on the phone, there may not be an immediate sense of trust - it may need to be developed, so if you feel listened to by the person on the other line, it can signal that you’re on a good path towards trust.
Just as a caveat - these free sessions are “get to know you” sessions. They can’t be therapy - that means it limits what you can get into because you haven’t signed paperwork legall allowing the therapist to treat you. So just be aware that can affect the way the conversation goes. BUT, you can get an idea of how the therapist thinks, and get a feel for how comfortable you feel sharing with them.
Just some thoughts on how to find a therapist from a therapist who likes to find the right matches for clients.
If you want to find out how I approach couples counseling, feel free to peruse my Couples Counseling page. If you’re in the Minneapolis area and need to talk, please call at 612.230.7171 or click on the button below to schedule a free phone consultation.
Take good care.