How to find the right therapist for you. A comprehensive guide.

Finding the right therapist is a “make or break” decision for anyone seeking therapy. Studies indicate that over 50% of individuals seeking therapy often struggle with choosing the right one for their needs. Additionally, 20% of individuals in therapy switch their therapist at least once in their therapeutic journey.

What makes finding the right therapist such a crucial and overwhelming endeavor, and how can you find the right therapist for you? In this article, we will provide insights on why finding the right therapist is important and how to find the right therapist for your unique needs.

Why is Finding the Right Therapist Important?

If you have been to a healthcare provider about your mental health, you probably got a recommendation for a therapist. In Canada alone, the number of therapists exceeds 19000 while there are over 21,000 registered psychologists according to a recent study.

Research shows that a good therapeutic alliance is the most important factor when it comes to the success of therapy. Finding a therapist who truly understands your needs and makes you feel safe and valued throughout your therapy journey enhances the outcomes of your therapy sessions.

What you are looking for in a therapist is not just professional expertise and competence. Their personality should also match yours. Having shared life experiences can enhance compatibility and make them more relatable to you.

How to Find the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist can be an overwhelming process. With so many available options, it might take some time to find the right one. It is crucial to take your time in choosing a therapist who taps into your concerns, understands them fully, and makes you feel comfortable.

To achieve this, you have to conduct due diligence before selecting one. Here are some steps you can take when preparing yourself for the journey:

1. Identify Your Needs: Understanding why you need therapy is a necessary prerequisite to finding the right therapist to address those concerns. Deep introspection is required for this and will provide a roadmap for choosing a therapist with the right specialization and professional competence.

Deep introspection will help you map out what you need and find a therapist who can address those specific concerns effectively.

2. Conduct a Thorough Research on Therapy Providers: It is fairly easy nowadays to access such information. There is no shortage of online directories providing comprehensive information about specific therapists. Support & Growth and Blacktherapy.ca are leading therapy providers and online directories to help you with your research.

Researching therapy providers online can help you compare options and find a therapist that suits your needs.

3. Seek Recommendations: Getting recommendations from trusted associates or healthcare providers can point you in the right direction.

Recommendations from those you trust can provide valuable insights and help you find a reputable therapist.

4. Schedule Consultations: Many therapy providers such as Support & Growth offer free consultations. These consultations will help you assess your compatibility with your therapist while also helping the therapist understand your specific needs.

Consultations allow you to gauge how well you connect with a therapist and determine if they are the right fit for you.

Do You Feel Uncertain About Your Therapist After Several Sessions?

It is normal to be unsure about your therapeutic experience. Evaluating your process with your therapist is actually encouraged. Here are some steps to consider when you feel you are not getting the best out of your therapist:

1. Trust Your Feelings: You know what’s best for you and how you feel progressively as you attend your sessions. If you feel like you are not making any progress for one reason or another, then your feelings are very valid and must be addressed.
2. Communicate with Your Therapist: You have to let your therapist know how you feel and why you think you are not getting the outcome you desire. Have an open discussion about it. A good therapist will understand and provide guidance.
3. Collaborate with Your Therapist: It is easier to understand the obstacles hindering your healing and growth journey when you seek insights and guidance from your therapist.
4. Find a New Therapist: There is no shortage of therapists. With the advancement of technology, it is easier nowadays to get remote therapy from anywhere in the world. If your therapist alliance is foiled, do not hesitate to get back to looking for the right fit.

Finding the right therapist can be a very powerful tool in your healing and growth journey. Taking your time and applying a little extra effort will set you up for a successful therapeutic experience.

Get Support for Your Mental Health

At Support & Growth, we apply the best matching criterion to ensure that you find the right therapist for your unique needs. Our matching questionnaire and thorough intake consultation ensure all your preferences are captured and the right therapist is allocated to you.

Book a free consultation today to begin your mental health journey.