Therapy is a sensitive topic that not everyone feels comfortable talking about.
Some people struggle to admit that they need therapy, while others fail to understand that it can work for them. And, even if you’ve accepted that you need to find professional help, you might not know how to find a good therapist.
In this blog post we take a look at some of the common issues people deal with that lead them to seek help and then we’ll take a closer look at how you can find the right therapist for yourself and the problems you want to address.
Why People Go to Therapy
- Is therapy right for you?
- Do you even need therapy?
- Does therapy really work?
- How can just talking to someone fix your problems?
- Can’t you just talk to family or friends?
These are common questions asked by people who may be nervous to seek professional help. Let’s go over some of the most common reasons people go to therapy.
Anxiety – People with anxiety often go to therapy to talk about their fears, their general anxiety issues and to help learn healthy ways of dealing with their anxiety.
It’s known and accepted that anxiety can be treated effectively through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as other common treatment methods. Proficient counselors are able to teach coping methods while also shedding light on the thought processes that fuel anxiety.
Loss of a Loved One – When you lose a loved one, or even be a beloved pet, it is a traumatizing experience. Grief can be crippling and not knowing how to effectively cope with it can cause major life issues. Therapy cannot erase the pain of a loss, but it can teach you how to cope with grief in healthy ways.
Gambling Addiction – Gambling addictions are more prominent than ever. Modern technology and the internet have made gambling easily accessible to far more people. It’s entirely possible to gamble in a safe and recreational manner, but when an individual begins to put themselves or their loved ones in financial trouble so that he or she can gamble, it becomes a problem. Therapy can help a gambling addict understand his or her addiction and learn ways to manage impulses.
Sexual & Intimacy Issues – Being truly close to another person can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but some individuals struggle to do so in healthy ways. Past traumas, failed relationships, self-esteem issues and abnormal thought processes can make intimacy or healthy sexual relationships very challenging. For individuals who want to change their unhealthy behaviors or thoughts so that they can experience healthier intimate relationships, therapy can help significantly.
Relationship Problems – When you’re having trouble in a relationship, sometimes you just need a neutral third-party to listen and give a fresh perspective. A relationship therapist can help you find out what’s causing the issues in your relationship and give you advice on how to fix it or at least how to move forward.
PTSD – This is a common problem among combat veterans who return home from war or people who have been through traumatic experiences. PTSD can result from things that we might not commonly think of us traumatic so it’s important to understand that PTSD is more common than most people realize. There are modern ways to treat PTSD that are highly effective and that can actually work in just a few short sessions.
How Do You Choose A Therapist?
The process of discussing your most personal thoughts and feelings to a stranger can seem intimidating but therapists are trained to specifically for this type of work. But, how can you know what therapist is right for you and what you’re going through? Here are a few different ways to help find a therapist that’s right for you:
- Decide if you prefer to speak to a man or woman. Some people prefer to talk to a therapist of the same gender because they feel that the therapist can relate to them on a personal level. It really does not matter if you choose to see a male or female therapist as long as he or she is properly educated and credentialed to treat you, but it might matter to you on a personal level. So, consider if you have a preference early in your search.
- Look for a therapist that specializes in treating the specific issue you feel you’re dealing with. This information is usually available on the therapist’s website or professional profiles like Psychology Today’s website.
- Ask trusted friends and family members for recommendations. You don’t need to discuss the details of why you want to see a therapist to ask people you trust for recommendations.
- Look at online directories or even Google for local therapists to see what options exist. Try to determine their availability, look for how long they’ve been in business, check out their website and always look thoroughly through the reviews of people who have used their services. Therapists commonly don’t have as many online reviews as other service businesses because many people don’t want to reveal that they’re seeking treatment, but you should be able to locate at least a handful or reviews.
- Decide if you want to treat your condition with just traditional therapy or if you also want to utilize medication as part of your treatment. If you want to use medication then you’ll need to see a psychiatrist or a therapist who works with a medical doctor who can prescribe medicines.
Call Potential Therapists
Most therapists offer some sort of initial consultation. If some of the therapists you’re considering offer this option, take this opportunity to connect with the therapist directly. Here are a few things you may want to cover during your initial consultation:
- Ask if they’ve ever dealt with someone who’s going through your exact situation. For instance, if you’re struggling with anxiety then look for a therapist who has successfully treated people with anxiety.
- Find out what kind of training and educational background they have. If you are interested in treating your conditions with medications then you will need to work with a psychiatrist or a therapist who works with a doctor.
- Find out how much they charge and what forms or payments they accept. Also, if you have insurance then find out if the therapist accepts your insurance.
- Ask the therapist what you should expect from treatment. How long will it take to see improvements? What’s involved? How often do you need to go?
Looking For A Therapist Near You?
If you’ve been through a traumatic experience or just need someone to talk to, most therapists offer free consultations so that you can evaluate if they’re a good fit for you personally. Ask friends or family members for referrals, reviews the therapist’s online reviews and then utilize a free consultation to connect directly with the therapist.
If you’re in the Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton area then contact us for a free consultation.
