From the Expert Roundup – How to Find the Best Psychotherapist? Secret Unlocked

Nancy Ryan, LMFT and Certified Gottman Therapist, was one of the participants in the expert roundup, and her portion of the article is below.

Here are some tips to get started with looking for a psychotherapist for yourself-

• Ask your friends or other professionals that you respect if they have any recommendations. Don’t rely only on their recommendations, but use that as a starting point.

• Review therapists profiles and websites to see if you connect with any by way of their pictures, videos, blogs, etc and then interview a few.

• Find a licensed professional in your state. Most licenses require a Master’s Degree, many hours of clinical supervision, and testing to become licensed under some type of Board of Behavioral Services. If you are going to invest the time and resources for therapy, see a professional.

• Make sure you are a good fit with your therapist.

• Schedule a consultation either by phone or in person to see if they resonate with you. Do you feel comfortable with their style, their personality, their idea of how to get you to your goal. Do you see yourself being able to be open with this person?

• Get an idea if the therapist wants to equip you with skills and techniques to help yourself outside of therapy. It can take some time to get there, but you want someone who will encourage your independence and not dependence on the therapist over time.

• Has your therapist done their own work? Many of us get into the profession because of our own life experiences, which can be wonderful, as long as the therapist has and continues to do their own work. A relatively healthy therapist (we are not all perfect!) is better able to help you.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what therapy will be like and what to expect. There should be a plan to get you to your goals.

For more of the participants in the roundup visit Expert Roundup – How to Find the Best Psychotherapist? Secret Unlocked