If you feel your quality of life is being compromised by depression, anxiety, OCD, or addictive behaviors, you may have already considered therapy as a viable treatment option. But while we’ve made significant strides concerning the importance of mental health, some people are still reluctant to pursue therapeutic treatment. Even just knowing how to find the right psychologist can be a completely overwhelming experience! Here at CBT Wesport, we understand how difficult it can be to find a psychologist with whom you feel you can connect and can provide the help you need. If you’re wondering how to find the right psychologist for you, here are three important tips you’ll want to follow.
When choosing a therapist, make sure they…
- Have the necessary experience
First of all, your therapist should have a certain level of expertise in the area you believe you require. If you’re suffering from overwhelming anxiety, you’ll want to look for therapists who specialize in anxiety disorders. If you have ongoing substance abuse issues, you’ll want a psychologist who is extremely familiar with treating patients with similar problems. Be sure to look at their website, testimonials, and any pertinent reviews from other sources. You’ll also want to request a brief phone interview to see if their style and the type of therapy they use is in line with what you’re looking for. In the U.S., around 69% of psychologists use CBT only part of the time or in combination with other therapies; if you’re looking for someone who uses strictly CBT, find that out beforehand, too.
- Make you feel comfortable
In your therapy sessions, you’ll want to feel safe and comforted. Your psychologist should never make you feel judged or condescended to. They should neither dominate the conversation nor expect you to run the session. If you feel threatened or pressured while in a session, this is probably not an environment that’s conducive to healing. It’s important to listen to your gut; if you don’t feel at ease with a certain therapist, trust your instincts and find someone else. Hold out for a therapist who is warm, welcoming, respectful, and a good match for your personality and background.
- Are always professional
We’d like to think that all psychologists hold themselves to a certain standard of behavior, but this is unfortunately not always the case. Not only do you want to make sure a therapist has the proper licensing required, but you’ll also want to keep an eye on how they behave. For example, if your therapist makes a habit of breaking appointments or showing up late to a session, your needs might be best served elsewhere. You’ll want a therapist who is down-to-earth, helpful, and nurturing, not egocentric, erratic, or inappropriate in any way. Remember that your therapist is providing you with a paid service; if they aren’t holding up their end of the bargain or you end up feeling worse after each session, it’s time to find a better fit.
Knowing how to find the right psychologist for your needs can be a challenge. At CBT Westport, our staff understands that a personalized therapy experience is key for success. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, or another condition, we may be able to help you. For more information, contact us today.
