How to find a therapist

First of all: you’re in the right place. ;) Finding a therapist that is right for you can feel very overwhelming. Regardless of how much therapy you’ve had before or past ‘successes’ or ‘failures,’ choosing a therapist is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. As with any other profession, there are decent ones, terrible ones, great ones, and at least a handful that would be a perfect fit for you. The trick is learning how to find that perfect fit before you get burnt out!

Over the years, through my own experience and those of my clients, I’ve learned a few things about how to narrow down your search. Read through the following suggestions for some solid guidelines.

• Ask someone you trust for a referral.

  Any small business owner lives or dies off of word-of-mouth referrals. And it’s often one of the simplest ways to find a good starting point. Although you might have different goals or needs than your friends or family, asking for a suggestion may at least point you toward a business or group of counselors you can trust.

• Think outside the box!

  When we think of talk therapy, we may imagine sitting on a couch, one on one with a boring counselor in a stale office space, just venting until you ‘feel better.’ Rest assured, that’s NOT how good counseling works!

  Find a therapist or practice that offers a wide variety of services or specialties such as EMDR, equine therapy, or nature based activities.

  The most successful therapy is not just talking.

• Look outside of your insurance coverage.

  Insurance can be very helpful under certain circumstances, and in other ways, it can be incredibly limiting. Did you know that many insurance companies will only cover traditional talk therapy within the 4 walls of an office? That does not leave much room for creativity and alternative therapeutic methods.

  Many counselors will also work with you to offer a sliding scale cash payment plan that may not even be much different than your co-pay! Prioritize finding the best possible fit for you and then worry about insurance coverage and payment.

• Get clear on your goals ahead of time.

  A common misconception of the therapeutic process is that the therapist is in charge of the sessions. In reality, you will receive more value and benefit when you take responsibility for the work. I am always here to guide, suggest and redirect, but it’s important that we’re on the same page about the entire experience.

  Prior to ever scheduling with me, I like to have a quick chat/consult with every client to determine previous therapy experience, goals, needs and to see if we’re a good fit. I need to know what you’re looking for so that I can provide or suggest the best possible care for you.

  Your goals may also change as you work with a therapist. It’s okay to talk about changing the direction of your treatment plan as your needs evolve.

• Interview your therapist.

  When you chat with or meet a potential therapist for the first time, it’s helpful to have a list of questions to ask that matter to you.

  Here are a few sample questions that may resonate:

  • How many years have you been in practice?

  • What experience do you have working with [the challenge you’d like to resolve?]

  • What types of issues do you typically refer out?

  • What types of alternatives to talk therapy do you offer?

  • How do you manage your stress or take care of yourself?*

  *There is nothing worse than a burnt-out therapist. If you’re going to trust someone to manage your stress, always make sure that they know how to manage their own first!

• Consider scheduling, availability and location.

  Know that many good counselors will be booked out multiple weeks in advance, especially for the popular evening and weekend time-slots. This is normal. If you find a counselor you vibe with, any flexibility on your part can often get you in earlier!

  Many clients nowadays are after the convenience of online therapy. On occassion, or for special circumstances, we do offer virtual sessions. However, know that you are missing out on some of the most valuable subtleties of the therapeutic process (body language, energy, facial expressions…etc.) Online sessions should be seen as a ‘better than nothing’ occasional choice.

  Our main office is located conveniently in downtown Greensburg, but some of our therapists also see clients from Irwin and Ligonier locations. If you’re hoping for a specific therapist, just ask!

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ counselor. I know my strengths when it comes to my own therapy and what type of specialties I offer. My associates Jordan and Nicoletta offer different specialties. My ideal client is one who is self-motivated, interested in alternative and holistic modalities and ready for change!

Contact me today to see if we might be a good fit.