Have you been thinking about trying therapy, but aren’t sure where to begin? Maybe you have already tried, but didn’t vibe well with the therapist. Here are 5 steps for finding the right fit.

1. Ask yourself, “what do i think i need therapy for?” Maybe you had childhood trauma you never worked through. Maybe you get depressed when the seasons change. Maybe you are stuck in a relationship you are not currently happy in? Once you have a good understanding of what you need therapy for you can begin to look for a therapist that can help.
2. Do your research. Many therapists post information about themselves on online platforms. The largest of these is Psychology Today. You can go there and read information on various therapists in your area and what they specialize in. Psychology Today even has filters you can use like “female”, “in person” or “online”. You can also filter for certain issues like “anxiety” or “couples counseling.” Once you have whittled it down to a couple therapists who specialize in the issues concerning you, you can begin to take a closer look.
3. Do more research! Many therapists have their own website. They usually post a link on psychology today. Once you visit their website, you can learn more information about them and the type of therapy they provide. This will help you make a final choice.
4. Take them for a test drive. Most therapists offer a free 15 minute consultation. Take advantage of that! Before the consultation think about what your style may be. Maybe you need a therapist who is more gentle or more direct. Maybe you prefer a younger therapist or an older one. Maybe you want a liberal therapist. Maybe you want a faith based counselor. This is the time to find the therapist who is right for your needs and your personality. During this consultation, they may ask you questions about the type of help you are looking for. They may share some of the things they may do to try to help. After the consultation, you should be able to decide if you want to give it a try!
5. Give it time. Once you have chosen a therapist, consider trying them for at least three sessions. By then you should be able to tell if you vibe well with them. Don’t be shy if they are not the right fit. It may sound discouraging, but some people go through a few therapists before finding the right fit. If something isn’t working, speak up. If it can’t be fixed, repeat the above steps.