There are many reasons that people seek therapy. Perhaps you are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, struggling with depression, anxiety or relational issues. Perhaps your relationship with food has affected you health, relationships, and joy. You may find yourself feeling confused, hopeless, or overwhelmed. All of these are just a few reasons that people seek counseling. Counseling provides a safe, confidential place to explore what is happening in your life, more towards resolution and seek healing.
Counseling is also an investment, and I am not just talking about finances; it is also an investment in time and energy. It is worth considering, and even asking yourself these two question: What is healing and wholeness worth to me? And, what could it look like to become more whole, authentic, or experience more freedom in your life? However, if you find these to be difficult areas for you to explore then myself or your therapist can help you uncover your values and beliefs related to the process and hope of healing in your life.
Selecting the right therapist is also an important factor to consider, and research has shown that the client-therapist fit is one of the factors that determines success in therapy. I encourage you to find a therapist who not only feels like the right fit for you, but is also someone who has the skills and expertise to help you work through the struggles bringing you into therapy. I have included the following questions below just to serve as a guide to help you begin the process of finding a therapist:
What is your approach to therapy? In other words, how do you believe that health and healing happen in counseling?
If the therapist states that they think that they can “fix” you, it is most likely not going to be the best fit. The point of therapy is to help you become and discover the strong, amazing person you are, not to discover how incredible the therapist is! This is not to say that your therapist won’t use helpful tools and interventions to facilitate healing, but rather that you play an active and integral part in the healing process.
How much do you charge and how long are the sessions?
A therapist should be able to tell you how long the session is (typically 45-50 minutes) and their current rate. You can also ask if they offer any low fee spots as many therapists offer these on a limited basis.
Do you accept insurance?
Make sure to find out what, if any insurance providers your therapists works with. In addition, you should also contact your insurance company to verify your coverage, copays, and exclusions.
What tools or techniques do you use? What should I expect generally during a counseling session?
A therapist will be able to give you a general picture of the tools they use and the theories that they work from. Counseling is a fluid process which means that often sessions look different from week to week, but regardless you should be able to get an idea of what is happening in sessions. You also always have the option of telling the therapist what tools don’t work for you, or what anxieties you may have around certain techniques.
I encourage you to take a look around my site and contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an initial appointment.
