Hi I’m new here I just have a question for everyone whose gone through or in the process of finding a therapist. I’m ready to finally go and see one I just don’t know where exactly to start I read that phone consults are good but I’m not sure what I should ask and such any helpful tips would very much be appreciated. I’m not sure if this would be helpful but I’m thinking of looking for someone specialized in CBT. Again anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated thanks.
-A
hi your doctor should be able to tell you ones in your area that's how I found out about mine and another one.
Hi A,
Kenster1 is correct that your doctor may be able to refer one to you. A lot of finding a therapist depends on what you are looking for. If you are hoping to find a therapist that can prescribe you medication, you will likely need to see a psychiatrist. For "talk therapy" you can see a PhD (psychologist), LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and more. In order to find someone that is right for you, I recommend using psychology today's therapist finder tool. You can set the parameters and location you would like and get to read a brief description of therapists in your area. If you are considering online help as opposed to in person, I have heard good things about betterhelp.com (but have not personally tried it myself). Best of luck!
-J
Hi airikahh. Good responses from the others, it looks like. I'd add that for me, I wanted to find a counselor who would listen and hear me. At the time I didn't know too much about CBT, so I just wanted to find someone with whom I felt comfortable talking about the sometimes super personal details of my life. (To be honest, I initially didn't want to see anyone! But I was 19 and my parents really pushed for it. Thankfully I found someone and it's been good.) I also wanted someone who cared and wasn't there to judge me or tell me what to do, but could provide perspective, coping methods, etc. All of these things may seem obvious, but it took a few meetings before I found a good fit.
As far as questions to ask, like jjj said, it depends on what you're looking for. Some counselors like to set goals with you or have you set goals, with others it's more play-it-by-ear.
My responses are not definitive, of course, just what I've experienced.
I hope this has helped a bit and I hope you find someone! Let us know how it goes if you like! Best wishes!
Six years ago. I looked in the yellow pages in the phone book. I saw a mental facility number in my local area. I didn't call them. I got the address. I drove there and stood at the desk of the receptionist. I was dying from 40 years of Anorexia. I was very ill. I was crying. I told them that
I hit the wrong button on computer sorry. I told the mental facility receptionist. I need to see a therapist ASAP. I was seen the very day. I put my trust in a total stranger. I am so thankful for that stranger today. She has been my only therapist in six years. I love her. She is wonderful. That mental facility has saved me from death. I was dying the day I went into that office that day. I was so close to death from starvation. I have recently recovered. I owe this therapist a gold medal. I would not be here today to share my story. If not for her. I hope you find one like mine. Take care of yourself. Trusting your therapist is good to know.
Hi airikahh, I did searches on-line & when I found places fairly close to home, I then researched the individual therapists who met my criteria (female, middle age, what kind of therapy they're trained in) & went from there. Out of the four whom I've seen in my lifetime, two were awesome & two were not a good fit. If you are uncomfortable with someone after several visits and/or you are not seeing improvement or at least feeling hopeful for improvement, start to research another one. But don't ever give up. I feel a therapist is someone there to guide you, but you have to be very proactive in doing in the work. For instance, CBT books will usually have worksheets for you to do & amazingly they do help. Good luck.
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