The next big thing is the price.
We need to approach picking a therapist in the same way.
Picking a therapist is not just a choice. But, it’s a process. And, it’s a commitment. Therapy offers many benefits. For many people, therapy something that has a positive impact on their daily life. Often, it’s something that they see the benefits seep into many areas of their life. On top of that, therapy is often the catalyst that sparks other positive changes in someone’s life. In addition, therapy is a safe space that offers support, guidance, and acceptance.
But, like shopping for a car, there are a lot of different factors to consider when looking for a new therapist! And just like you and your best friend may have very different needs and taste in cars, you may have very different needs in therapist. So, where do you even get started when looking for a therapist?
To ensure that therapy is successful for you, we recommend considering these three factors.
First thing to consider when picking a therapist: know what you want.
Yes, this is more than “to feel better.” That’s what most people are hoping for, right?
Instead, we want you to think about what you want in a therapist. Consider your age and life stage when looking for a therapist. Are you a teenager looking for someone to talk to because you don’t feel understood? Or, maybe you’re a college student overwhelmed by the anxiety and stress that’s being put on you. On the other hand, maybe you’re a parent that’s struggling with your parental responsibilities regardless of your children’s age. Or, you could a couple looking for someone to help you get out of the rut that you’re in.
This is important to consider when looking for a therapist because this will determine who you look for.
For teens, it would be a teen counselor. For adults struggling with anxiety or depression (or any other experience), consider looking for an anxiety counselor (depression counselor, trauma therapist– you get the picture). This way, you’ll find a therapist that’s experienced in the appropriate area.
While it’s true that most mental health therapists are trained in the basics of providing counseling, each provider has different strengths, experience and additional training. Just like you might need a truck if you live on a farm, you likely need to work with a professional who really specialize in trauma if you’re struggling with PTSD. So, you likely want to find someone who specializes in the area you’re looking for.
But it’s more than just the therapist’s specialty. Perhaps you’re drawn to a specific personality. Or you know you want someone who will push you a little bit. Or your previous therapist used X technique and you already know you’re looking for something a little different this time. All of these are important things to keep in mind when looking for someone new to support your mental wellbeing.
Second thing to consider when picking a therapist: know who’s out there.
Explore the land of Google. See who’s near you and what they offer. This will vary on your location. For example, if you live in our area you may search for, “therapist in Colorado Springs, CO” and see who shows up.
However, if you have an idea of what type of therapist you’re looking for, you may want to get even more specific. For example, you might look up “trauma therapist in Colorado Springs, CO”, or “marriage counselor in Colorado Springs, CO.” From there, take some time to get the know the therapists you think might be a good fit. You can read their about page, see what they specialize in, and overall learn more about them.
This is important to consider when looking for a therapist because you’ll get a better idea of who’s in your community.
And, if you find that no one locally fits your needs, online therapy is a great option. Online therapy offers more flexibility in your search for a therapist. Most therapists can offer online services to anyone in their state. So, if you live in Denver, Colorado the therapists at our practice could still work with you. On the other hand, if you live in another state we recommend you search for “Online therapy in (insert name of your state).”
Regardless of that path you take, do your homework. Make sure you’re familiar with who’s available. And if you feel comfortable, give them a call! See if you feel comfortable learning more about their practice and process.
Third thing to consider when picking a therapist: know that improving your mental health and emotional wellbeing is an investment.
Of both time and money. Therapy will take time our your schedule. Typically, you need to dedicate about one hour a week to it. Think about what that will look like for you. Does the flexibility of online therapy make the most sense for you? Or, can you finagle a weekly session in your day? Regardless of where you stand on this, see what’s going to make the most sense for you. On top of that, think about what’s going to look different in your life schedule. Think about any coordination that needs to take place prior.
On top of time, therapy requires a monetary investment.
However, don’t let the price tag scare you. Unlike things that we buy, therapy is something that has the potential to positively impact your life forever. Therapy teaches you skills, tools, and perspectives that can come in handy in a variety of situations. And, it’s something that will never go out of style 🙂
This is important to consider when looking for a therapist because this can be a big consideration.
We all have different priorities. Think about yours. Do they match the person you want to be in 6 months? Are your priorities going to set you up for long-term success? There’s no wrong answer. Instead, this is something to consider when determining how you want to move forward. If you’re noticing a discrepancy, it might be time to make a change.
If you’re looking to start therapy in Colorado Springs, CO, we can help out!
At Altitude Counseling, we’re here to help you with any experience you’re coming across. Our Colorado counselors have worked with many people, and they can help you, too. We offer a variety of options in our Colorado Springs-based counseling practice or through online therapy. When you’re ready to begin counseling with one of our mental health professionals, follow these steps:
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Get to know our team of therapists.
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Know what to look for in a therapist.
Other Counseling Services
Individual Therapy
Online therapy in Colorado
PTSD Treatment
Grief Counseling
Therapy for Men