What to Look for in a Counselor
Finding a counselor can be stressful and overwhelming, especially in this technology-based world where everyone has a website, psychologytoday.com profile, and social media accounts. Regarding what qualifications you may need from your therapist, please see my previous post about acronyms in the mental health field! Here, I’m going to touch on some questions to get answered when screening therapists. I want to emphasize that what is most important, though, is the fit. If you don’t feel safe and secure enough to be honest with your counselor, I feel confident saying that treatment will not benefit you long-term. So, trust your gut! If you don’t click with the first one you meet with, try again. That said, here’s some important things to keep in mind as you embark on this search:
1. First and foremost – availability. Be honest with yourself and your counselor about when you are available to meet. Often times I see people schedule an intake for mid-day on a weekday with the hope that after that they can have weeknight evening appointments after that, which may be difficult for a busy therapist. Make it clear up front what your ongoing availability is so as to not waste your time or money!
2. Experience working with a population that aligns with what you present with – for example, if you are seeking counseling for your adolescent child who is experiencing symptoms of panic attacks, be sure to look for someone who has worked with a similar presentation before, and/or is receiving supervision or consultation. Ultimately, counselors who attend accredited schools are trained in a wide variety of disorders though it may ease your mind to ask up front. That said, no need to self-diagnose before reaching out!
3. Think about what you want from your counselor – some people come to counseling looking for someone to challenge them. Others desire an excess of warmth to make up for cold relationships in their lives. Perhaps working with someone who you can laugh with is important to you. Maybe you need someone to call you out or give you worksheets each week to keep you on track. Think about what you hope for in a counselor and look for that.
4. You are the one hiring us – think of that first session as an interview. Before you go, check out the counselor’s website, blog, and social media. Ask questions about how they typically approach treatment, how long and often they see clients, and if they have any concerns about treating your symptoms. This is all important information for you to have as a client!
While this list is not comprehensive, it should hopefully give you a good place to start. Any other questions come to mind about finding a counselor and what to screen for? Let’s talk in the comments!
Meagan
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes, and is not to be used as a substitute for a therapeutic relationship, individualized mental healthcare, or medical healthcare.