Finding the right therapist for you

A positive therapeutic alliance has been linked to having a successful experience in therapy. It is important to feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout the therapy process. Each client comes into therapy with unique experiences, strengths, and concerns just like each therapist has their own unique perspective, training and education, and approach. 

There is no right or wrong approach to therapy as long as the therapist is following legal and ethical guidelines. We all have different needs and hopes in the therapeutic process and finding what works best for you can be a big step in having a healing, positive, and successful experience in therapy. 

Some useful questions to consider when deciding on working with a therapist are:

• Do you prefer to have a therapist that has a more directive approach or a more relaxed, conversational approach?

• Do you prefer to have a therapist that is more of a blank slate or that shares a bit more of their authentic self in therapy?

• Does the therapist have experience and training in working with your specific concerns?

• Is the therapist open to feedback in sessions?

• What types of therapy does the therapist incorporate into their work with clients? Integrative? Cognitive Behavioral? Somatic?

• Do you feel like you would be comfortable talking with this therapist?

• Does the therapist give homework in between sessions? Is this something you are interested in or would you prefer not to have homework as part of your therapy process?

Starting therapy is a brave step. Considering these questions during your therapy consultation can be an important part of ensuring that you feel empowered and confident in your decision to move forward with beginning therapy.