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Therapy is proven to be effective in treating psychological, emotional, and behavioral problems. A vital factor in seeing results is choosing the right therapist. However, this isn’t always a simple task. There are A LOT of choices out there and there are many factors to consider when making your choice. Every therapist-client is unique, and you deserve to find the one that is right for you.

There are some basic criteria items to make sure each therapist checks off, and others are more specific to what you need personally. When you’re deciding to seek therapy, here are the things to look for in a therapist.

Training and Experience

Ideally, a therapist will have the necessary training and experience to provide the care you deserve. Each State has its own requirements when it comes to licensing. Ensuring that a therapist is properly licensed will cover this aspect. When it comes to training, that is where many therapists differ.

In order to continue to practice, therapists must complete continuing education. This allows therapists to continue to learn and grow in their practice and to specialize their areas of expertise. A good counselor has lots of counseling and professional life experiences to be able to offer new perspectives and dynamics, and not just those theories learned from the books. For example, if you are looking for a specific approach such as EMDR, you would want to find a therapist with training in this area.

Therapeutic Techniques

Many therapists have a wide variety of techniques and approaches to best treat symptoms and concerns. When looking for a therapist it is helpful to find a therapist who specializes in what you are wanting to treat. For example, if you are experiencing anxiety you would want a therapist with experience treating anxiety.

It can be helpful to do your research to see what approaches may be a good fit for you. By doing some reading, you may find some that truly speak to you. This can help to narrow down your search.

Personal Qualities

The outcome of counseling can be determined by a host of factors, but certainly the personal qualities of the therapist play a role. Your therapist’s personality can inspire the trust and confidence of the client. When there is trust it is easier to open up and address your real concerns. Without trust, it is unlikely that progress will be made. A good therapist will be concerned with how you are responding to treatment and will tailor their approaches to best meet your needs.

Availability

Finding a therapist whose availability works for you is also important. Life is busy, you will likely have to make some adjustments in order to remain consistent with sessions. However, you also need to make sure you can reasonably continue to engage in therapy to see true results.

Online counseling can remove some barriers to availability. By seeing your therapist online you cut out additional time constraints like drive time! If time has been a barrier for you, online counseling may be what you are looking for.

Taking Out the Guesswork

More important than all these factors, you have to trust your gut. When you find the right therapist, you will know. Unfortunately, it can take a few tries to find that provider.

When you call Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC our Scheduling Team can help to connect you with the therapist that is right for you. Call today to schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to hear from you!