Tips for Finding the Right Therapist: Part Two

Many people see therapy as giving up, but that is not the case. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when you need it, and a professional therapist can give you the tools you need to take back your life. With that in mind, finding the therapist that is right for you is a process, and the first one you contact may not be the one you like the best. In part one of this series, we discussed a few tips that you should keep in mind as you begin searching for a therapist. As we continue with part two, we will provide you with a few more guidelines to help you find a therapist you can trust.

If you are beginning your search in Long Island, then Long Island Counseling is here to help. We offer a wide range of services, including individual counseling, couple’s counseling, and more. If you or someone you love is in need of help, then don’t wait to seek advice from a professional. Contact Long Island Counseling and schedule an appointment today.

View Photos

While it’s true in most cases that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, that doesn’t mean that viewing photos isn’t important. Keep in mind as you begin searching for a therapist that you need to be able to feel comfortable opening up to them, and sometimes certain physical aspects about a person can keep you from doing so. Most people begin their searches online, and if you find a therapist who sounds good on paper, then visit their website to see if there is a photo. Looking at a photo of a potential therapist may give you a good idea of whether or not they look trustworthy. For example, if the image of your therapist is a glamour shot or a candid photo of the person doing some sort of activity, it may not feel as authentic as another therapist who has a simple photo of their face. It’s best to use your judgment and listen to your instincts about who you may or may not want to work with.

Pay Attention to Gender

Before you begin your search, it’s important to think about what you do or don’t want in a therapist. Part of this process involves deciding which therapy technique works best for you, which we talked about in our previous post. Additionally, you may want to determine if you have a preference of gender for your therapist. Some people feel comfortable talking to either a man or a woman, but others may have a preference. For example, some women feel comfortable talking to only women, and some men may feel comfortable talking to only men. There is nothing wrong with wanting your therapist to be a specific gender — after all, you want to feel as comfortable opening up as possible. That being said, figuring out whether you prefer a male or female therapist may help you narrow down your search.

Look for Experience

Experience is another preference that you may want to take into consideration as you try to find a therapist. There is nothing wrong with going to a therapist who has been practicing for only a few years. In fact, you may find that newer therapists have cheaper rates than therapists who have been practicing for many years. However, depending on the type of issues you wish to discuss in therapy, you may be better suited with a therapist who has more experience.

Once you find a therapist you like, visit their website. Exploring a therapist’s website will give you more information about their practice, the techniques they specialize in, as well as their experience. Depending on the therapist, they may even have specific issues that they like to focus on, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more. Make sure to thoroughly research each therapist to make sure they are a good fit on paper before you meet with them in person.

Contact Long Island Counseling Today!

At Long Island Counseling, we can provide you with the help that you need to be the best version of yourself. We offer individual counseling for a variety of mental health concerns, as well as couple’s counseling for partners who are struggling in their relationship. Explore our website to learn more about our practice, and contact Long Island Counseling to schedule an appointment.

We look forward to meeting you.