Day 10: Types of Therapy
Mental Health Pillar: Mastery
by Brandi Carlin, LMSW, Certified Therapist, Death Doula + Citizen Yoga Student
Hello, friends! Considering therapy but feeling unsure about where to start? There are so many types of therapy, from CBT to EMDR to IFS to…you get the point. When it comes down to it, the relationship you have with your therapist is far more important for success than the model of therapy. When you’re beginning the search for someone to work with, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Ask your trusted people if they see or have seen anyone they really like. It’s nice to hear about a positive experience with someone before reaching out to them. No luck there? Look at therapist profiles on their website or sites like Psychology Today, Good Therapy, or Therapy Den. Use the filters to match your needs. Give yourself time to read through a few at a time and see whose profile speaks to you. I definitely suggest breaking this up into smaller chunks of time and keeping a list of the people you want to follow up with, otherwise all those smiling headshots and therapy acronyms run together and make your brain feel extra fuzzy.
Once you have some names, reach out and ask for a consultation call. This is a good opportunity to share a little bit about yourself and what you’re looking for, and to ask the therapist questions about their practice. Remember that this is a two way consultation, meaning both of you need to feel that you’re a good match to move forward with scheduling sessions.
When you start meeting for sessions, please be patient with the process. They’re a stranger to you, and it’s okay if you need some time to open up. Share what you feel comfortable with as you go. Therapy is a partnership between therapist and client. A helpful therapist will take the time to get to know you, get clear on what your goals are, and will both support and challenge you along the way. Patience pays off in creating a connection that feels safe enough to grow in.
If you’re still feeling stuck or have questions, please feel free to reach out to meet Waypoint Counseling, or catch me at the Royal Oak studio. I’m always happy to share resources and referrals. Take care of yourselves and one another!
