How I Found My Therapist
Sometimes the thing you don’t want to do is exactly the thing you need to do to succeed in just about every situation. My dad would always say, “Just making the decision to do something is the hardest part. Everything after that is easy.” It can be difficult to admit that you may have a problem and seek out the help of a professional. We often look to our friends and family for advice because we trust them but a lot of times we come up short. I have been met with the response to “just pray about it,” and felt totally disregarded. That answer to me always seemed like a cop-out from the person I was confiding in because they were not willing to listen to me. The reality is, our problems are not for everyone else to solve because that is not the job of those close to us. I learned that “just pray about it,” as dismissive as it seemed, meant more than I could comprehend and that my answer would come in an unexpected way. Once I did “just pray about it,” the Lord didn’t just give me the answers in my ear with a big booming voice. Instead, He led me to the right person, the person He knew I needed, my therapist. Sometimes prayer is like that, we don’t always know how our prayers will be answered but we get exactly what we need. So, here are some tips on how to find a therapist:
Assess your own situation. Identify and admit that you are having a tough season in your life. We all have tough times in our lives and it is ok to admit that and to ask for some help.
Research the different types of therapists and therapy. Therapists have different degree levels in which they practice. As well as there are many different approaches to therapy. Thoroughly research each to get an understanding of who you want to work with and how they will approach your concerns.
Contact your insurance provider to see if mental health services are covered under your policy. Some companies offer a set amount of sessions for free. Take full advantage of this benefit if possible. Also, contact the therapist you have chosen and see if they also take your insurance provider as well.
Do an internet search for a potential therapist. Use sites like www.psychologytoday.com to start your search. This is a simple way for you to search for the right therapist for you.
Create a list of potential therapists that you think will fit your needs.
Schedule a consultation with your top 3 choices. The consultation will give you the opportunity to see if that therapist is a good fit. Have questions in mind for them ahead of time but also make sure you understand how they plan on helping you.
Finally, make the decision to start and never stop praying about it!