[CherryIEvans]

Hi all!
I was just wondering, when choosing a Therapist, how do you go about it? I've been through the process but, since it was my dad doing the paying, I didn't get much say in who I got to see (he basically picked a name, said he was paying for it and I had to stick it out, I wound up seeing over six therapists before I just quit it) and now that I'm doing the paying, well...how DO you choose?

Thanks & All the best,
CherryI.

[SoupDragon]

l just picked one at random. l think he was a lucky find because on a couple of occasions when sessions have become difficult and l have explored different T's, l realise my current T is the best "fit" for me. l do find therapy really hard, but l get a sense that he "gets me", so my advice would be just to go and let your gut instinct decide. Good luck, Soup

[purple orchid]

Hi,
I'd look how much experience they have and their qualifications.
After that just try them out to see if they are a good "fit" for you.
Everyone is different, I didn't click with my first T who was recomended to me but my second T, who I found by chance, is great and I feel really comfortable talking to them.
Good luck

[stopdog]

I tried out a bunch of them. I used sites like psychology today.

[elaygee]

The ones Ive had and liked I found by:
Personal recommendation from a friend
Asking in an online site that focused on my concern
And my current T was at my university and I asked for someone who could work with trauma

[reesecups]

Actually, i had no idea how to pick a T and actually used to base it on if I liked their first name. Ridiculous, right? Then, when I moved to California, so few actually took Medicare that I could barely find one.

I got lucky, and one of the T's I had called actually was kind enough to return my call and told me she knew someone who took Medicare. That is how I found my current T and was fortunate enough that she's probably the best one I've ever had.

Sometimes, to choose the proper fit, you might want to go for an initial interview and see if you click. You don't have to commit unless you feel comfortable.

When I was referred to my current T, I googled her as well. Didn't find much except her Psychology Today advertisement. But like what I read enough to give her a try. We clicked and she's the best T I've ever had.

[Victoria'smom]

I go with centers so I don't originally pick but I can switch therapists if one is not working for me.

[Raging Quiet]

Trust your instinct and try to research

[Syra]

There are a couple of threads on questions to ask when looking for a therapist. I couldn't find them.

[Perna]

Good article: How to find the BEST Therapist for you | Psychology Today

[MusicLover79]

I googled therapists in my area then looked on their websites and at their credentials. I looked at their rates. If there picture was on their site I looked at that cause I didn't want someone to young or to old. And I looked at my state licensing website to see if they had any complaints against them. I did a lot of work to find a therapist and it worked cause the one I'm seeing now is a good match for me.

[stopdog]

I also think it is important to remember they are not doing you a favor by seeing you. Therapists need clients as much as clients may need or want to see a therapist. You are paying them, so no need to worry about their feelings if they don't work out for you.

[Syra]

I would ask if they are under regular and frequent supervision, and how they would handle things if they found they had difficulty with me. Maybe ask for examples of how they have handled such things in the past.

[Elektra_]

u need one that has experience and/or training specifically in what u suffer. more than 10 years of experience. and one u feel has empathy for u (but that u only see face-to-face). other thing im careful is i cant have a male T caz i tend to present myself in a more favorable way, joke too much and not be able to cry/show weakness in front of them. oh one more thing, i try to check their CVs and look for one that has training in psychiatry too caz that way i wont have to have 2 dif people.

[BadWolf]

I used the psychology today search filters for:
My insurance
Close to my house
Listed "lgbt" as a category

Then there were only 4 names left. I called the person I liked best, but she was on maternity leave. The second person I called worked out.

Maybe you make a list of what is important to you, then rank some online profiles?

Originally Posted by Perna

Good article: How to find the BEST Therapist for you | Psychology Today

I've used this too. One of the most important factors for me has been their school of thought. That site defines them but what I thought I wanted wasn't what I wanted. Interviews are important because even with all the research and consultations they could be a bad fit. You might get lucky but you might be like me and have to try a few first.

[CherryIEvans]

Hey everyone Thank you all so much for your responses, They've all been really helpful, I've narrowed it down to two people, now it's all about rates, insurance stuff (blah) and interviewing them as soon as the holidays are over.

Thank you again, Happy New Year.
CherryI.