Choosing a Counselor - 4 Steps For Selecting the Right One For You
Everyone experiences challenges in their lives, whether it be unresolved issues from the past or current challenges in their circumstances.
Often these challenges can lead to other problems, like depression.
Nearly everyone can benefit from speaking with an unbiased, objective professional at some point.
A counselor can be as vital member of a support network that assists you through your difficulties, helping you gain perspective and insight into the problems you are facing.
However, your choice of a counselor has a powerful impact on your results in counseling.
Here are 4 steps to finding the right therapist for you: 1.
Assess the reasons you wish to work with a counselor.
Are you having relationship issues? Depression? Are you struggling with addiction? Questioning whether your partner could be abusive? Whatever your concerns, be sure you ask any prospective counselor what their area of expertise includes.
Different counselors have different areas of focus and training and you want to work with someone who specializes in your area(s) of concern.
2.
Speak with at least 3 counselors before you make your choice.
This is an important decision.
You will be spending your time and money and form a lasting relationship with this person, so give yourself a basis of comparison so you can make the best decision about who you are going to invest in.
3.
Make a list of questions to ask your prospective counselors.
Find out how they approach sessions, what their availability outside of office hours is, what their fees are, how they handle insurance issues, and what their cancellation policy is.
4.
Follow your gut instinct.
It is important that you feel very comfortable and like your therapist.
If you are seriously investing in therapy, this is someone with whom you will be very vulnerable.
You'll be sharing personal details of your life with this person, so be sure you have a rapport and feeling of trust before you get too far into sessions.
If you do not feel comfortable or don't feel like you are being helped by your sessions, don't hesitate to change counselors.
Often these challenges can lead to other problems, like depression.
Nearly everyone can benefit from speaking with an unbiased, objective professional at some point.
A counselor can be as vital member of a support network that assists you through your difficulties, helping you gain perspective and insight into the problems you are facing.
However, your choice of a counselor has a powerful impact on your results in counseling.
Here are 4 steps to finding the right therapist for you: 1.
Assess the reasons you wish to work with a counselor.
Are you having relationship issues? Depression? Are you struggling with addiction? Questioning whether your partner could be abusive? Whatever your concerns, be sure you ask any prospective counselor what their area of expertise includes.
Different counselors have different areas of focus and training and you want to work with someone who specializes in your area(s) of concern.
2.
Speak with at least 3 counselors before you make your choice.
This is an important decision.
You will be spending your time and money and form a lasting relationship with this person, so give yourself a basis of comparison so you can make the best decision about who you are going to invest in.
3.
Make a list of questions to ask your prospective counselors.
Find out how they approach sessions, what their availability outside of office hours is, what their fees are, how they handle insurance issues, and what their cancellation policy is.
4.
Follow your gut instinct.
It is important that you feel very comfortable and like your therapist.
If you are seriously investing in therapy, this is someone with whom you will be very vulnerable.
You'll be sharing personal details of your life with this person, so be sure you have a rapport and feeling of trust before you get too far into sessions.
If you do not feel comfortable or don't feel like you are being helped by your sessions, don't hesitate to change counselors.
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