How To Find The Right Counselor For You

The counseling relationship is exactly that, a relationship! This means it is important to “click” with your therapist. Comfort is a process, but you should feel immediately able to at least describe some of the issues you are currently facing. Here are some tips on how to choose a counselor that fits your needs.

 

1. Assess what you need and what you are most comfortable with: do you have a gender preference? Do you want individual or family counseling? Are you hoping for short term solutions or long term processes?

2.      Ask around! Is there anyone you know who has sought counseling? What did they think? Perhaps their counselor might have some referrals that fit your needs.

3. Call and ask questions (or check their website if they have one):

·         What kind of education do they have? This is simply to find out if it is an accredited school and not an online coaching certificate. The most prestigious schools don’t necessarily make for the best counselors, but a solid educational background is important.

·         What is their specialty?

·         Have they worked with people with your issues? Share a little on the phone about your presenting issue and see how the therapist responds.

·          Are they licensed? You can use the license lookup system in Montana at www.mt.gov to double check.

·         Discuss fees, sliding scales and what types of insurance they contract with, if any. Ask about the billing process? Will they bill your insurance or will you have to send in statements. If you like everything about them but their rate is more than you can manage, I would tell them that. If they can slide no lower, then you can ask for referrals. They might know someone who works like they do at a lower fee. That said, cheap is not always better.   

4. Know that nothing is permanent. If you call and make an appointment with a therapist and after the appointment you didn’t feel any connection with the therapist, you don’t have to go back! If the therapist is a professional, they will not be offended in any way if you just say you don’t think they are the right fit. They will probably even try to send you in the right direction with a referral or two!

*Consider: Theoretical orientation
There are many theoretical orientations. According to Tracey Cleantis 2011 in Psychology Today, consider these oversimplifications of theoretical orientation and how they might fit your needs:
* If you believe there is an unconscious motivation for your behavior, you might want to go to a psychodynamic therapist.
* If you want to change your thoughts and you think doing that will change your life and you don't believe in an unconscious---then you might want a cognitive therapist.
* If you don't ever want to talk about mom and dad and you only want the here and now then maybe narrative, behavioral, or solution-oriented therapies are something to consider.
* If you want to work on your family and not on just you then maybe family-oriented system therapists.
If you still have no idea at all about what orientation you might want, I would then call the referrals you found and ask them to tell you about their orientation. Try to find someone whose style of working resonates with you.
NOTE: Many therapists/counselors do not label themselves “Cognitive Therapists” or “Psychodynamic Therapists”, but they may utilize many methods within those theories. Look for buzz words on websites or during your phone calls that make sense to you. Never hesitate to call or email a therapist you are considering with questions. Also know that many therapists will offer a short Introductory Appointment at a reduced rate or even free!

Parts adapted from Psychology Today- Tracey Cleantis 2011