How do you pick a counselor?

Answer 1

As a licensed counselor, I receive phone calls from new clients looking to find a therapist to begin working with and addressing a few things in their lives. I often can tell that the folks calling are not sure what exactly to ask me in order to help them determine if I might be a good fit for them.

People who are looking for a counselor should start by asking trusted family and friends if they know anyone good in the area. Now this can be tricky if the reason for counseling is 1) Family and or friends or 2) a private matter that is better left private. If asking around isn't an option, then get online and browse the different websites of the counselors in your area.

What to look for on a counseling website? The tone of what is written is really important. It often can give you a sense of what the counselor's personality might be like, their counseling approach and other helpful information. If the counselor keeps a blog, even better. Read through it and see if how he/she addresses blog topics is in a manner that is appealing to you.

Once you have narrowed down the list of a few therapist that you have looked over their websites, then start calling and leaving messages. Most therapy offices do not have a receptionist so you will need to leave a message and get a call back hopefully quickly. When you do talk to someone, ask about fees, appointment availability, therapist's area of specialties and any other questions you might have.

After an initial phone call, if prospective clients are interested in coming in for an appointment, I tell them that it's good to visit for a session and see if it's a good fit for us both. If it isn't, I am happy to make a referral to another therapist who I think might meet their needs better. Beware of the therapist who insists that they can help you if you think otherwise. Run actually! Most therapists feel like I do and that folks need to find the right fit for them, otherwise the growth that the client is looking for will not be found.

Don't be afraid to visit with a few therapists for a session until you find the one that is right for the season in life that you are experiencing.

Answer 2

When choosing a counselor, consider their qualifications, experience, approach to therapy, and fit with your needs and personality. It can be helpful to have an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable and supported by the counselor before committing to ongoing sessions. Trust your intuition and choose someone you feel you can build a therapeutic relationship with.