Trying to find a therapist you are comfortable with can be difficult. After all, there are many different personality types, counseling styles, and therapeutic orientations.  In fact, when you’re in a position to require the services of a counselor, the amount of options can be quite overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to simplify your search.

Check With Your Health Insurance

Before starting your search, find out what your insurance will cover and whether there are guidelines to follow.  For instances, many insurance providers will limit you to certain types of professionals.   Insurance companies may pay for a LCSW, but not a LMSW. They may pay for an LCPC, but not a LPC.  It is important to make sure the counselor is accepted by your health insurance.

Verify the Credentials of the Therapist and Agency

In Idaho, a therapist must be licensed by the state. Ask the therapist if they have this license. They will tell you which licensing board they are affiliated with. If you want to follow up, you can contact the appropriate licensing board and they can verify it for you. Those licensing boards can be found with a quick internet search.

Find Out if the Therapist Has the Right Experience

Most counselors have a specialized area of focus, such as anxiety and depression or grief. They may focus on eating disorders or substance abuse.    Good therapists know their limitations and will provide referrals to someone with the right background if they are not qualified to help you.  Poor therapists will claim to be able to help everyone.   A sly question you can use is to ask them what areas they don’t treat.   If they tell you they can help everyone … move on.   He or she should know their strengths and weaknesses.   Avoid guarantees or promises.   These are unprofessional and should be a sign that the therapist isn’t trustworthy.

Trust Your First Impressions

What is your gut feeling when meeting with your therapist for the first time?  If you feel uncomfortable with a therapist, don’t go there. You should feel safe and comfortable with the therapist. It is part of the therapist’s job to provide a loving, nurturing environment for you to grow and heal.     Sometimes healing can happen quickly, and other times the healing will come much more slowly.  My general rule is that if it doesn’t feel like things have “clicked” within the first two sessions, find another counselor.    Will the counselor feel bad?  Sure, we all do, but we know that it happens.  It is not about the counselor, but about your ability to connect, and make meaningful changes in your life.

Find Out if the Therapist Has Received Counseling

It is actually considered “best practice” for therapists to seek counseling from another professional. You can ask your therapist during your first session, if he or she has ever received counseling.   A good counselor will have sought to address his or her own issues before attempting to help others with theirs.   Many good healers are wounded healers; those who have experienced problems in their own life, but have gone through the process of healing, and have developed the empathy to help you during your path to wellness.  Also, ask if they receive ongoing supervision.   Even very experienced therapists need ongoing supervision.

Watch for Burned Out Therapists

Is your counselor happy to see you?  Does she still have excitement for her work?   Does he have a bounce in his step and a genuine smile?  Does your therapist believe that she can help you?

Get the Healing You Need

In summary, first check with your insurance provider. Next, verify credentials. Third, make sure the therapist has experience with your area of concern. Fourth, trust your feelings about the therapist and ask about their own history of counseling. Finally, watch for signs of enthusiasm and a positive outlook. Ultimately, if you don’t feel comfortable with a counselor, it will be difficult for you to heal. Don’t hesitate to move on to another therapist when one isn’t the right fit.