How Do I Find A Therapist? Where Do I Start Looking?
If you are looking to find a counselor you're not sure where to start, let me give some tips for your journey of searching! Embarking on a journey of finding a therapist can be a bit intimidating at first, but fear not, you'll have plenty of places to start after reading this blog.
BUT. Before we get started, let's talk about what makes a therapist a right fit for you! Most therapists will offer a free 15-20 minute consultation to see if you would be a good fit for each other. Not every therapist will be the right fit, it's important to feel comfortable with your therapist and have a mutual level of respect and trust. The consultation can give you time to ask a few questions and get to know their counseling approach. PsychologyToday has written a wonderful article on a few questions to decide if your therapist is a good fit.
And remember, you can always change therapists!
How Do I Find A Therapist?
1. PsychologyToday.com
Ahhh, and speaking of PsychologyToday, a great place to start looking for a therapist is PscyhologyToday.com! This website gives you the ability to find a counselor in your city or via online therapy (telehealth). Once you have selected your city or the online therapy option, they give you the option to filter the results based on Issues, Insurance, Gender, Types of Therapy, Age, Ethnicity, Sexuality, Language, and Faith. This gives you the ability to refine your results to exactly what you are looking for in a counselor. Through the "Types of Therapy" filter, you are given the option to select "Trauma-Focused" as well as select "Trauma and PTSD" in the specialties field. These filters will provide you with a list of Trauma Counselors that are in your area!
2. GoodTherapy.com
Another great option for finding a counselor is GoodTherapy.com. This website also gives you the option to find a counselor in your area or online (telehealth). Once you have selected your preferred method, you can filter options to specify exactly what you are looking for in a counselor. This platform also gives you the option to specify if you need evening and weekend availability to fit your schedule. To find a Trauma Counselor through GoodTherapy.com, you can select "Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" or "Trauma Relief Unlimited" from the Type of Therapy as well as "Trauma or Abuse" under the Common Specialties.
3. International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) gives you the ability to search for therapists who are a part of the ISSTD. This website does not give you the ability to apply filters, however, as this is a trauma-focused society, all counselors on the directory specialize or have experience in trauma. This is a wonderful place to find counselors who are keeping up to date on the newest research and findings, which is very important as a counselor!
4. Ask your doctor, gym, or any other place you trust! Connections!
Often times these types of places will have referrals for therapists that they tend to have a professional relationship with. Not only are you getting a direct referral from someone that you have already built trust with, but they are most likely going to be aligned in how they approach their practice!
You've Got This
Searching for a new counselor can be overwhelming, but finding the right counselor can make a world of difference. This is your journey and you have the right to advocate for your needs. Using these resources can make searching for a counselor a little less overwhelming. If you feel like we may be a good fit, reach out, I would love to set up a consultation!
