How to Choose a Therapist

Identifying a therapist to work with you can be a daunting task, and locating a therapist in your area with availability and a flexible schedule can be overwhelming. Considering the qualities that make someone a good fit to work with you could be deterring. Research suggests that the most important factor in successful treatment outcomes is the relationship between the therapist and client, called therapeutic rapport, and is essential to personal growth.  When you are looking for a professional helper, these guidelines can be helpful in locating and choosing a therapist who is right for you.

Qualifications

One factor to consider when looking for a therapist is to consider their qualifications, including education and training, how many years they’ve been in practice, and what type of work they have done in the past. Finding a therapist with specific experience tailored to your unique needs will improve your experience in therapy. For example, if you were looking for a family therapist or couples’ therapist, finding a clinician who has experience working with these populations or who specializes in this type of therapy would be helpful.

Therapists may have several qualifications and understanding the types of licensure a therapist holds can narrow a search. An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist; LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, and LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Each license has different requirements and testing as well as Master’s level training and practicum in the field of therapy, best suited for each clinical specialization.

Licensure

Licensure indicates that a therapist has achieved necessary training in the field of therapy, post graduate school and has passed a National certification exam. Unlicensed therapists are able to obtain hours towards licensure under the supervision of an experienced therapist which should be disclosed to you as part of confidentiality. A licensed therapist may or may not still obtain supervision and will likely share how many years they have been in practice, and some specific modalities require extra training and credentialing. If you have any questions about your therapists’ qualifications, you should feel comfortable asking them!

Location

It is helpful to consider if meeting your therapist in an office or virtually is better suited to your needs. Outcome measures for in person and virtual sessions appear consistent; however, it is important to consider factors such as privacy, a space where you would not be distracted, commute time and individual preferences when considering location for therapy. Many clients prefer the convenience of virtual sessions while some people prefer to be in person with a therapist. Many therapists offer both (referred to as hybrid) and some therapists are strictly virtual, so it is important to ask during your outreach or initial consultation with a therapist if you have a preference and see what they can accommodate. 

Specialty

Understanding specializations and certifications a therapist may hold can be overwhelming but may also help you to find a therapist that best meets your specific needs. Some therapists are trained in trauma therapy techniques such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and many other modalities. Family therapists are trained in specific modalities to work with multiple family members at once and address dynamics in the family interactions. Other effective modalities include Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Imago Couples Therapy, and other techniques which can be useful in navigating conflict, communication barriers or addressing infidelity and rebuilding trust in the relationship. Sex Therapy may be useful to identify certain barriers and work through strategies to improve intimacy and seeking a therapist who identifies as a Certified Sex Therapist would be useful. 

Personality

You should feel comfortable with your therapist! This is someone that you may open up to and share things that you have never shared with anyone else before and should feel like you can do this in a space without fear of judgment or prejudice. Consistency with scheduling and holding appointments as well as creating a balance between support, reflective listening and relaying skills and tools is necessary in the therapeutic relationship. Building therapeutic rapport is paramount in successful outcomes in therapy, sticking with treatment and finding strategies that work for you. 

Conclusion

Finding the right therapist can be a challenging yet vital step toward personal growth and healing. By considering factors such as qualifications, licensure, location, and therapeutic specializations, you can identify a professional who is well-suited to meet your unique needs. Building a strong therapeutic rapport is key to achieving successful outcomes in therapy, so it’s important to choose someone with whom you feel comfortable and supported. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions, taking the time to find the right fit will help ensure a more meaningful and effective therapeutic experience. Remember, the journey to wellness starts with finding the right support, and the PA Counseling Coop is here to help you take that first step.

“PA Counseling Coop is a worker-cooperative therapy practice that is owned collectively by the providers themselves. We provide individual, family, and couple’s counseling along with life coaching services. Schedule your first appointment today!”