{"id":59048,"date":"2017-05-26T07:15:29","date_gmt":"2017-05-26T11:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=59048"},"modified":"2017-05-26T15:30:32","modified_gmt":"2017-05-26T19:30:32","slug":"how-to-find-a-therapist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/lifestyle\/how-to-find-a-therapist\/","title":{"rendered":"Too Nervous to Talk to a Therapist? These Tips Will Help"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Whether you\u2019re coping with a major loss, struggling with persistent anxiety<\/a>, or simply hoping to get a fresh perspective on life, therapy can effectively help you find resilience and clarity. Yet despite the benefits offered by therapy<\/a>, many people feel intimidated by the idea of reaching out to a stranger for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are a culture that struggles to ask for help and values independence to an extreme. As a result we have forgotten the importance of and need for elders, mentors, and just an honest opinion from a neutral party,\u201d says Jocelyn Jenkins<\/a>, MA, CYT-200, CMT, a licensed professional counselor.<\/p>\n

Step number one for finally seeing a therapist: Recognize that a professional can help and don\u2019t be afraid to ask for assistance. When you\u2019re ready to make the first move, a few simple strategies can help you find the right therapist who will meet your needs and hopefully, help you find happiness<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>\u00a08 Signs You\u2019re Way Too Stressed (and How to Deal)<\/a><\/p>\n

How to Overcome Your Nerves About Seeing a Therapist<\/h2>\n

“Therapy is more an indicator of strength than an admission of weakness.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Before you pick up the phone and schedule your first therapy session, you may have to jump over a few mental hurdles<\/a>. For instance, maybe you feel uncomfortable asking for help or you’re worried that other people will judge you. Or perhaps you’re concerned about a diagnosis. Whatever your hesitations, it\u2019s important to acknowledge and process them in order to find success with a pro.<\/p>\n

For starters, know you\u2019re not alone in your nervousness, says Jenkins. \u201cIt\u2019s completely normal to feel anxious when starting therapy. And any qualified therapist understands the courage it takes to admit, \u2018I need help,\u2019\u201d she says. \u201cA qualified therapist has had many hours of their own therapy and understands what it is like to be a client.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not only your therapist who is likely to have compassion for where you\u2019re coming from, either. \u201cIf you start to scratch the surface and talk to people, you will learn that probably most of your friends have seen a therapist at some time or another,\u201d says clinical psychologist and author Laurie Helgoe<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s not a rare thing anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to remind yourself that asking for help doesn\u2019t equate to admitting to some kind of impairment or disorder, says Helgoe. Instead, she says, seeking therapy is \u201can indication that you have the courage to consider change and the courage to admit that you might not have the right perspective on things.\u201d Looked at this way, therapy \u201cis more an indicator of strength than an admission of weakness,\u201d Helgoe says.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Injured or Defeated? 4 Mental Strategies to Get Through<\/a><\/p>\n

5 Steps to Identifying the Right Therapist for You<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve addressed your nerves about initiating therapy, it\u2019s time to talk. The following strategies will help you hone in on a person you can trust:<\/p>\n

1. Be honest about your values and preferred communication style.<\/h3>\n

For example, says Helgoe, is it important that your therapist shares your faith? Do you want someone who is not tied to a specific world view? Or do\u00a0you prefer to be given clear directives? Do you want someone who will allow you to guide each session? Getting clear about these preferences is a great way to start shrinking the pool of potential therapists.<\/p>\n

2. Pick a style.<\/h3>\n

Therapeutic styles can fall loosely into two categories, says Helgoe. On one side of the spectrum, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on increasing positive behaviors and limiting negative ones<\/a>. On the other end, psychoanalysis involves a long-term, reconstructive process that dives into your thoughts, feelings, attitudes and experiences. In the middle is psychodynamic psychotherapy, which combines some of both sides. Different styles call for different therapeutic tools and lengths of treatment. The right style for you depends on the reason you\u2019re going to therapy, as well as your personal preferences.<\/p>\n

Also, certain therapists specialize in subjects like eating disorders, addiction, grief, PTSD and so on. So consider whether you want to see someone who has expertise in these areas, Jenkins suggests.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>8 Signs You\u2019re Way Too Stressed (And How to Deal)<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Ask for referrals from like-minded people.<\/h3>\n

\u201cIt helps to talk to people who you identify with who might like the same kind of [therapist] you would,\u201d says Helgoe. These personal endorsements can help steer you in the right direction.<\/p>\n

4. Call around.<\/h3>\n

Once you\u2019ve figured out your needs and received a few referrals, it\u2019s time to start making some calls. When you do, communicate the preferences you identified above so the agency\u2019s representative can determine whether you\u2019re barking up the wrong tree. \u201cI encourage people to be as clear as they can about what helps them feel comfortable and safe,\u201d she says. Don\u2019t be afraid to voice concerns and be firm about what you\u2019re looking for \u2014 it\u2019s the best way to find someone you\u2019ll like.<\/p>\n

5. Ask about insurance and fees.<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s an unfortunate truth that mental health care isn\u2019t always financially accessible. Many of us will need to ask about fees and insurance coverage in order to determine if a given therapist is a viable fit, says Helgoe.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>19 Positive Affirmations That\u2019ll Change the Way You Think<\/a><\/p>\n

Tips for a\u00a0Successful First Session<\/h2>\n

The preceding tips should help you narrow in on at least one potential therapist. After that, it\u2019s time to book a session. This first appointment will help you assess whether you\u2019ve found the right person. And a few key questions can illuminate if you\u2019d want to go back. For example, Jenkins and Helgoe recommend asking about the following:<\/p>\n