How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
By Ashliegh Baldwin, LCSW
Choosing a therapist can feel like a big decision. It’s a bit like choosing a professor, a company to work for, or even a mentor. It’s about finding someone you trust to guide you through one of the most important journeys of your life: your mental health journey. Often, we come into therapy at a moment of overwhelm, exhaustion, or emotional pain, hoping to find someone who can help us discover solutions to the struggles we’re facing.
At The Healing Group, we understand how important this choice is. We’re here to offer not only guidance and expertise but also compassion and understanding. Our goal is to help you feel supported throughout the process, so you can find the therapist who’s the best fit for you.
1. Sorting Out Finances Without Adding Stress
We know that the financial aspect of mental health care can feel daunting. Therapy is an investment in yourself, but it’s understandable to want clarity and reassurance about what your insurance covers. If you’re working with insurance, here’s a simple way to start:
Call the number on your insurance card to check your mental health benefits.
Ask if individual therapy is covered, and how many sessions they’ll pay for.
Inquire about coverage for couples therapy, if that’s something you need.
Find out if any of the therapists at [Your Clinic Name] are in-network with your insurance plan.
Getting these answers upfront can help ease your mind, allowing you to focus on finding the right therapist without added financial stress.
2. Browse Our Website to Find Your Best Match
Now that you have a clearer picture of your coverage, it’s time to explore our website and find a therapist who feels right for you. Here’s how you can approach it:
Location and Flexibility: If in-person therapy is important to you, start by looking at the therapists in the office closest to you. But don’t overlook the option of telehealth—many of our therapists offer remote sessions, providing the flexibility you might need.
Read the Therapist Bios: Each therapist brings something unique to the table. Take some time to read through their bios, where you’ll find information about their areas of expertise, their therapeutic approaches, and a little about their philosophy. Do they specialize in trauma, postpartum care, or relationship issues? Do they mention using an approach that resonates with you, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or EMDR for trauma?
Make a List: Pick a few therapists that stand out to you, and bring your list to our Client Care Coordinators. They’ll help you navigate factors like availability, insurance, and scheduling to ensure you get matched with a therapist who fits your needs.
3. Reach Out to Our Client Care Coordinators
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, give us a call. Our Client Care Coordinators are here to assist you in finding a therapist who is not only available but also a great fit for your personal situation. If your first-choice therapist isn’t available right away, don’t worry—we can suggest other providers in the clinic who may be an excellent match based on your needs. A Client Care Coordinator can be reached via phone or text at 801-305-3171.
4. Meeting Your Therapist: A Two-Way Interview
Your first session with a therapist is like a two-way interview. You’re not only there to share your story, but also to get a feel for the therapist and see if you’re comfortable working together. First impressions are important, but remember, it can take a few sessions to find your rhythm. After a few sessions, if you still feel it’s not a good fit, that’s okay. You can talk to your therapist or our Client Care Coordinators about finding someone else who may better suit your needs.
5. Questions You Might Encounter in Your First Session
To help you prepare, here are a few questions you might be asked in your first session. These are designed to help your therapist get to know you and understand how best to support you:
Who are you, and what makes you uniquely you?
What’s affecting your daily life and activities?
What life experiences have shaped who you are today?
Have you been to therapy before? What worked well in that relationship, and what didn’t? (Being honest helps us understand your therapeutic needs.)
What coping skills have gotten you to this point?
What are your current or past relationships like, and how are they impacting you now?
Have you used medications, or tried any treatments or coping mechanisms before?
These questions help your therapist gain a fuller understanding of your experiences, needs, and strengths, so they can tailor their approach to best support you.
6. What Therapeutic Approaches Do We Use?
Therapists at The Healing Group use a variety of therapeutic approaches, each backed by research and designed to meet different needs. Here’s a quick look at some of the methods we use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns, making it effective for managing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on improving how you communicate your needs and emotions in relationships, creating healthier, more effective communication patterns.
Client-Centered Therapy: This approach believes that you are inherently motivated to achieve positive psychological change, and your therapist is there to support that journey.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is a couples therapy approach that focuses on rekindling the emotional and physical bond between partners through more effective communication patterns.
The Gottman Method: This couples therapy approach helps partners understand and remove barriers causing distress, with the goal of rebuilding a strong emotional connection.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a trauma therapy that uses eye movements to help reduce the distressing effects of traumatic events and distressing coping patterns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS helps you understand the different parts of yourself and work toward healing and integration.
Strengths-Based Therapy: This approach focuses on your positive attributes, helping you build on your existing strengths to overcome challenges.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is about staying present in the moment, without judgment, and can be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety.
When you read through our therapist bios, you’ll notice that many of our clinicians use one or more of these approaches. Choosing a therapist whose approach resonates with you can make a big difference in your experience.
You Deserve a Therapist Who Understands and Supports You
Whether you’re an individual working through the personal battles that challenge you, a postpartum mother seeking help with the emotional ups and downs of parenthood, a couple working through relationship challenges, the right therapist can make all the difference. At The Healing Group, we’re here to help you find a therapist who will walk with you through your journey to healing, growth, and resilience.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Client Care Coordinators. We’re here to help you take this important step toward mental health and well-being.
