RESOURCES
CHOOSING the RIGHT THERAPIST
Whether you’ve worked with a therapist in the past or are just beginning to weigh your options, choosing the right one for you is key to your mental health journey. However, there are many factors to consider, some are tangible (Does the practice accept my insurance?) and some are intangible (Do I feel connected to the therapist?).
When searching for a therapist, fully review their website, paying special attention to the therapist’s background, areas of specialization and accepted insurance coverage. Most offer a no-obligation phone consultation that is usually 15 minutes. This important feature allows you to gauge whether you are likely to have a connection with the therapist. It also allows the therapist to ensure that he or she can meet your needs and expectations. If not, most will happily refer you to a colleague.
As you prepare for your consultation session, consider asking some or all of the questions below. But make the most of your time by reviewing the website first in case your questions are addressed there so you can use your phone time wisely.
What is your approach to therapy?
There are many popular approaches to therapy, with most therapists blending them in a way that is tailored to meet their clients’ specific needs. A few common evidenced-based therapeutic approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), accelerated resolution therapy (ART), psychodynamic psychology, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy. Some are a little more direct and goal-oriented, like the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, while others are less so. Additionally, some focus more on thoughts, whereas others focus on feelings. Ask your therapist about their theoretical approach so you will have a better idea about the journey you are about to embark upon.
At Kindness Counseling, we use an integrative approach to therapy by tailoring the interventions specifically for you. We believe in change and acknowledge that people are unique and benefit from different things at different times. At the core of everything we do is empathy, unconditional positive regard, genuineness and connection. We also understand that many people respond best to concrete tools to help them make the needed changes.
How often will we meet?
Most therapists will begin sessions on a weekly basis to fully understand the difficulties and establish a connection. As progress is made, it is common to shift to every other week, then later to monthly check-ins to ensure a lasting effect.
Are you seeing clients in person or virtually?
Each therapist has their own comfort level during COVID-19. Some are only conducting online sessions through HIPAA-compliant platforms (similar to Zoom), while others are offering a hybrid approach that allows clients to come into the office periodically. Kindness Counseling is offering both online and in-person session options.
What is your availability during a crisis?
Your therapist should generally be available when you are in crisis…within reason. It’s important to remember that therapists have many patients at various stages of progress, so reaching him or her directly during an active crisis is an unrealistic expectation. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, call 911 or a crisis hotline immediately. If your situation is not life-threatening, it is realistic to expect your therapist to return your call within the next business day.
Do you have experience treating trauma?
When interviewing therapists, those who have experienced traumatic events should specifically ask how he or she will approach the issue. Deep-seeded trauma often calls for specialized therapies like accelerated resolution therapy (ART). Combining principals from several forms of psychotherapy, ART uses techniques like rapid eye movement and image rescripting to reduce the effects of trauma and other stressors to improve overall mental health.
What languages do you speak?
If you are not a native speaker of English, it may be more comfortable to work with someone who speaks your first language. For reference, Dr. Suplicy's sessions at Kindness Counseling may be conducted in English or Portuguese.
What insurance do you accept?
If you have health insurance, it is important to know upfront what insurance the provider accepts. If he or she is not listed on your plan, contact the insurance company to see if they offer out-of-network benefits, then make sure the therapist will provide a “superbill.” Key to reimbursement, a superbill is an itemized statement required by insurance companies that outlines the services provided and the diagnosis code. It’s important to note that some insurance companies offer mental health benefits through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), so check there, too. If you are a self-pay client, most therapists will provide competitive session rates.