Choosing a Therapist

Choosing to go to therapy is a big decision. You are making the choice to entrust someone, a total stranger, with your mental health and wellbeing. It can be exciting and also intimidating. A big part of therapy is vulnerability. Without it, the therapeutic relationship cannot be formed and the process can be stagnant. It can be frightening to allow yourself to be vulnerable and share the intimate details of your life, especially with someone you do not know. That is why it is important to find the therapist who is right for you. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when searching for a therapist:

1. What are your needs and goals?
   Think about the reasons you want to start therapy and what you want to get out of it. Are you dealing with a recent loss or anxiety attacks? Are you feeling unmotivated or dealing with relationship issues? Is your sense of self shaken due to a traumatic event? Knowing  your goals can help you find a therapist who has the experience you need in those areas, which brings us to the next tip.

2. Experience
   Check out the therapist’s credentials. Where did they receive their education? Do they have any specialized training ( i.e. disordered eating, OCD, DBT, etc.) or certifications? How long have they been in the field? Usually you can find this information in the therapist’s bio. If it’s not there, you can always reach out and ask questions if a method of contact is provided. This part of the process is very important, as every therapist has a different background, and you want to make sure they can support your needs.

3. Utilize the free consultation
   Sometimes a therapist will offer a free 15 minute consultation. This is an opportunity for you to say what you are looking to get out of therapy. It is also an opportunity for the therapist to determine if they are able to provide you with the support you need or offer referrals to someone better suited. If a free consultation is offered, I highly recommend you utilize it. It can save you the time and money of going through a full intake just to determine someone else may be a better fit for you.

4. Location of services
   Since the increase in telehealth services in 2020, where and how services are conducted is important to ask. Some therapists offer hybrid services consisting of in-person hours and remote services, while others opt to work fully remote. Also, keep in mind that the state a therapist is licensed in can impact whether or not telehealth is an option.

5. Finances
   This is usually the #1 factor a lot of people have when choosing a therapist: cost. Does the therapist accept your insurance? What are their rates for self-pay? Do they offer sliding scale fees? How is payment accepted? 

It can seem like a lot of work to find the right therapist, but the research is worth it. Remember: by choosing to start therapy, you are investing in yourself. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and gather the information you need.

You’re worth it.

Schedule Sessions with Sage Grove
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or grief and looking for a compassionate, experienced therapist? I specialize in an integrative approach pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help others overcome their challenges. I offer online services in New Jersey with flexible hours, including weekends. As a licensed-professional counselor (LPC), I provided a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

If you are ready to take the first step in your healing journey, schedule a session with me today by visiting my contact page here.