Not only is admitting that you need help and support in your day-to-day life very difficult, but therapy is also a deeply personal journey. This means that you should absolutely be fussy about who you choose as your confidante and counselor.

Finding the right therapist isn’t something that you should rush into. There are lots of different people offering therapy services, but just as you wouldn’t put your physical care into the hands of just anyone, nor should you entrust your emotional wellbeing to someone without carefully vetting their credentials and reputation. And when it comes to discussing personal problems, you also want to make sure you are speaking to someone with who you feel comfortable, you have a connection, and who you can trust. 
 

Ask for Recommendations

If you don’t mind other people knowing that you are looking for a therapist, it’s a good idea to start by asking other people you know if they have any recommendations. This is an excellent way of narrowing down what is otherwise likely to be a very wide field of possibilities. If you are looking for a specific type of therapy, this will help too. For example, if you want to speak to a bereavement therapist, you could ask around friends, family, and colleagues who may have suffered a loss too, to see if there is anyone they could recommend. However, remember that just because someone you know may have made a personal connection with their recommended therapist, it doesn’t automatically mean that they will be the right professional to help you.
 

Do Your Research

Whether you have recommendations to start with, or you are beginning your search with no therapists in mind at all, doing your research is essential. You need to choose a therapist who offers the type of therapy that you are looking for and at the times and locations that are convenient for you. It may sound trivial, but convenience is an important aspect of attending appointments. If they are at awkward times or locations, it may be harder for you to stick to them regularly, and this could derail your progress.
 

Check Licensing and Insurance

You don’t necessarily have to be licensed to be a therapist, but unsurprisingly, those that are licensed are generally considered to be more reputable than those that aren’t. This is because they are bound to follow a set of specific guidelines and a code of ethics. If they are licensed, you should also be able to find out of there have been any complaints made against them, and this information can usually be found online. Therapists often have a lot of initials after their names, and this will relate to any credentials that they may have. For example:

• LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
   

• NCC – National Certified Counselor
   

• LCDC – Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor
   

• LMHC – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

If you are hoping to have your therapy covered by insurance, you’ll also need to check that your chosen therapist accepts your insurance before you start any sessions.

Meet With Your Therapist Before You Begin

Before you sign up for a set number of therapy sessions, it’s important to have an initial meeting with your chosen therapist to find out more about them and establish whether you have a rapport. You’ll also be able to discover how the therapy will work and what you can expect. Use this initial meeting as an opportunity to assess your therapist to see if you feel comfortable with them going forward. And remember, if you decide that your therapist isn’t a good match for you, you can always change – either before you start therapy or even well into your sessions.

For more advice on how to choose the right therapist for you, don’t hesitate to speak to our dedicated counseling team at Comprehensive Counseling Services, LLC in Tallahassee, Florida at (850) 688- 2244 today to schedule an appointment!