Once you’ve decided that you want to see a therapist, how do you find one that you feel comfortable with?
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of the healing process.
So much so, there’s even a name for it – ‘the therapeutic alliance’. Research has found that having a positive connection with your therapist greatly improves the health and well-being outcomes of your therapy sessions.
Whether you’re new to therapy or have done it before, it’s not always easy to show up and talk to a stranger about personal aspects of your life.
It’s important that the professional you choose is someone who can provide space for you to show up as you are, without judgment. And that they can help you to be truly seen, heard, and supported.
This is especially important if you’ve faced marginalization in your life.
In order to feel safe and open to the process of therapy, it’s essential to know that your therapist is inclusive and open-minded.
To help you get started, here are six tried and tested ways to find a therapist you feel comfortable with.
1. Match your search to your therapeutic goals
If you have a good idea of what you want to do in therapy, use this focus to narrow down your search for the right therapist.
For example, if you need relationship support, finding a therapist who has expertise and experience in relationship counseling can be helpful.
Similarly, if you’re looking for someone who offers a specific therapeutic approach, such as emotionally focussed therapy, or trauma-informed therapy, try narrowing your search by these skill sets.
If you’re not sure, that’s okay. Try asking yourself the following questions:
- Why am I looking to see a therapist?
2. Search reputable listing databases to find licensed therapists in your area
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by Googling ‘best therapist in St. Petersburg, Florida’, a therapy database could be helpful.
These online databases are like a search engine for therapists in your area.
Here you can search by a range of different criteria, including your location, the type of psychological support you’d like, your insurance cover, and any preferences for the age, gender, and focus areas of your therapist (for example: do they work with LGBTIQ+ people? Are they trauma-informed?).
Keen to try one out? Here are a few options:
On these platforms, you can often also check that the therapist you’re interested in is licensed to provide psychological services. Licensing helps to ensure that therapists are truly qualified to deliver psychological treatments.
3. Ask someone you trust for a recommendation
Asking a trusted friend or medical professional (such as your doctor) is another way to find the right therapist for you.
It’s still worthwhile doing your own research, but a referral or recommendation can help to get you started.
4. Have a look at their website and social media pages
Once you’ve got a shortlist of possible therapists, it’s time to check out their website and their practice social media pages.
Here, you can often find out more information about the team, individual therapists, and the therapy space itself.
You might also find written or video testimonials from previous happy clients.
Seeing how a space looks, and how the therapist communicates on these platforms can help in deciding whether they’re a good fit for you.
5. Trust your gut
Your body can give you a lot of helpful information about whether this is someone you think you might feel comfortable with.
Time to check in – how do you feel when you see their picture, or read what they’ve written about their services?
If they’re still seeming like a good possibility, time for tip number six.
6. Call the therapy practice
One of the best ways to confirm your level of comfort with a potential therapist is to phone the practice and talk to them about your therapy goals.
Depending on the practice, you may speak with the therapist themself, or with a client care coordinator, who can help to work out if the practice (and therapists) are a good fit for your needs.
Some examples of questions you might like to ask during this conversation include:
- Are they licensed in your state?
- How many years have they been in practice?
- What certifications/degrees do they hold?
- How does the type of treatment they offer work?
- What are their areas of specialty/expertise?
- What kinds of treatment or therapy do they think might help you? And, how much experience do they have working with other people in your situation?
- How much do the therapy sessions cost?
During your conversation, does the therapist or client care coordinator:
- Listen carefully and respond in a way that shows they’ve heard and understood you?
- Do you feel tense or at ease during the conversation?
- Does the contact person seek to clarify what you’ve said if they’re unsure?
- Do you feel seen, heard, and respected during the conversation?
Note their responses and how you feel during the conversation.
Your comfort is the top priority, and if you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to look for someone else.
Please note – not all practices take insurance. If you’re planning to pay for therapy through your insurance plan, ask your insurance provider for their network of approved therapists.
Ready to Find A Therapist in St. Petersburg, FL?
Beginning the journey to your best self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist for relationships in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
At ME-Therapy, we believe in the importance of mental, emotional & physical wellbeing. Our therapists want to help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means we take a holistic approach to mental health. In order to do this, we offer a wide range of mental health services in our St. Petersburg office and online including therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, and holistic, spiritual therapy. For couples and relationships, we want you to know that our relationship therapists are here for you ALL. In addition to marriage counseling, we provide sex therapy, affair recovery counseling, and poly-friendly kink-aware therapy.
