For our "Therapy Insights" series, we want to empower and educate you to make the right choices for your mental health. Therapy can be a minefield if you have no prior experience of it and for many can be totally overwhelming.
Here are some of our top tips for finding the right therapist for you.
Get Comfortable!
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is the most important factor. It doesn’t matter how many degrees they have or how many years they’ve been practicing; if you don’t feel at ease with them, you won’t get the best results. Trust your gut feeling.
Pay attention to how you feel when talking to them. Being anxious about going to therapy is normal for many of us but your therapist should try to make you feel relaxed and at ease.
Ensure you can be yourself with them and not feel judged. When having therapy I once had a therapist who winced when I told him that my dad dying was "a bit shit". I realised there and then if I could not use the word "shit" and had to censor myself, this was not the person to help me.
A great therapist will want you to get the most from therapy and should be happy to suggest an alternative therapist if you request it.
Therapy is Broad
Therapy is a broad term that covers a lot of different approaches. There’s no one-size-fits-all . Some common modalities include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (Meridian Psychotherapy / EFT), Havening, Humanistic therapy, and more. Each has its strengths and is suited to different kinds of issues and personalities. If you have tried one without success, please do not , write off other therapies.
Why Multiple Modalities Matter
It might be better to look for a therapist who is trained in various modalities. Why? Because a therapist with a broad skill set can tailor their approach to fit your specific needs rather than trying to fit you into one specific type of therapy. It’s like having a toolbox with multiple tools instead of just a hammer. More tools mean more ways to help you.
Look for therapists who use terms like integrative, multidisciplinary, adaptive or blended. These are likely to have multiple therapies under their belt.
Choosing a Therapist
Choosing a therapist can be done with a google search, however most clients come to us at Beam through other client referrals. If you have some friends who are open about them going to therapy ask them about their experience and who they would (or would not) recommend. Be mindful that their experience will differ to yours but it is often a great place to start.
As therapy is a broad term it is often useful to see what professional memberships they have and to see if they are listed on a professional membership website. For example, both Tom and myself are Havening practitioners and so are listed on the Havening Techniques website. This confirms our training, passing of exams and practical assessments.
Ask the Right Questions
When you’re looking for a therapist, don’t hesitate to ask them questions. This is a decision which will involve you feeling safe with a stranger and sharing things with them you may not have shared with others. You are entitled to ask them as many questions as you like to receive the reassurance you need. Here are some you might consider:
What are your qualifications?
How long have you been a therapist?
What types of therapy do you specialise in?
How do you decide which therapy to use with a client?
Can you describe your approach to therapy?
How do you work with clients (online / face to face)?
Do you have any areas you particularly specialise in?
Do you have client testimonials?
Initial Consultation
Most therapists offer an initial consultation, sometimes even for free (at Beam we offer a 30 min free call). Use this time to get a feel for their style and to see if you click. It’s also a good opportunity to discuss your goals and see how they would approach your situation. If during this initial call you do not think they are right for you, ask if they would be prepared to signpost you to someone who best fits your needs.
Trust the Process
Finding the right therapist might take a bit of time, and that’s okay. It’s an important decision, and it’s worth taking the time to find someone who’s the right fit for you.
Finding the right therapist is crucial for your own progress. Make sure you feel comfortable with them, and don’t settle for less. A therapist with multiple modalities can offer a more tailored approach, making your therapy experience more effective. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
If you need more guidance or have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Beam Therapy. We’re here to help you find the best support for your mental health journey.
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If you would like a FREE 30 minute discovery call with us please book one with Tom or Lianne. You can also find free resources on our website to download.
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