How to Find a Therapist You Click With: Tips from a DC therapist.
Written By Jessica Attas, LICSW, LCSW
If you’re considering going to therapy — whether it’s to improve your mental health, recover from a trauma, adjust to a new life phase, or improve your relationships — finding a therapist you click with is the first step. Searching for a therapeutic “match” can be a daunting task.
Things to Consider During Your Search for Therapists in DC
With so many therapist profiles online, you may have found yourself wondering, “how do I know if this therapist is the right fit for me”. Like dating, it can be hard to determine how well you will click with someone based on reading their information on a profile or website alone. The relationship you build with your therapist is the foundation for the work that you will do in sessions. Research suggests that the strength of the relationship between a client and their therapist is a key contributing factor to successful therapy and our team of skilled therapists here at The Sterling Group understands that.
Having a non-judgmental, unbiased, credible individual outside of your daily life to support you is such a unique and special relationship; therefore, it is integral to have this person be someone you can trust wholeheartedly. Being able to create a space in which you feel heard, understood, and can be honest is a significant part of the process! Starting therapy can be scary and requires vulnerability; it is critical to have a therapist you feel safe sharing your life and lived experiences with. Although a therapist’s training and credentials are important, don’t underestimate the power of the right chemistry with your therapist.
Therapy is hard work!
Together you will explore your emotions, develop personal goals, create a better understanding of patterns in your relationships, and so much more. While it is important to feel comfortable with your therapist, it is also critical to develop a relationship with a therapist who can meet you at your own pace. By challenging yourself in a safe, therapeutic relationship, you will be able to see positive changes in other areas of your life. You may find yourself thinking, “okay, having a therapist that I click with is important, now how do I find that?”
After traditional approaches like asking someone you trust for recommendations, or utilizing an online therapist directory like PsychologyToday.com, I would encourage you to schedule a phone consultation. Many therapists offer a 15 minute phone consultation with prospective clients to help determine if they are able to meet your needs.
Some questions you may want to ask during a consult with therapists in DC include:
What is your experience in working with people with my sexual orientation, cultural identity, religious background, etc?
What is it like to be in the therapy room with you?
What is your theoretical approach to therapy? What modalities do you use?
Identify some areas you are hoping to work through in therapy, and ask what experience the clinician has working with clients managing similar things as you?
What informs the way you work?
Take some time after your call to determine how you felt, and feel free to ask for referrals from the therapist if you do not think they are the right choice for you! After your first few meetings you will want to think about how you feel in session to determine the goodness of fit with your therapist.
Some signs a therapist is good fit include:
You feel excited to start therapy.
You feel safe and supported in session.
Your therapist understands your goals.
Your therapist makes you feel empowered about making decisions.
You are able to speak your mind in sessions.
You can see new possibilities for yourself.
You feel like you can share openly with your therapist about the things going on in your life.
Your therapist challenges you in a supportive manner.
There is room for playfulness, maybe even humor in the therapeutic setting.
They consider you to be the expert on your experience.
They have training and expertise in your needs.
You may not have all the answers after your first few sessions. Like any relationship, determining if your therapist is the right fit may take time. You should not have to settle for a therapist who is an OK fit, and it is okay to be intentional in determining what therapist will meet your needs in the best way possible. Once you have developed a therapeutic relationship based on safety, trust, open communication, and positive growth-the possibilities are endless!
Begin Caring for Your Mental Health with Therapists in DC
Take back your life. Feel free and happy again. It IS possible. DC therapy can help you get the support you deserve from a skilled therapist at our Washington, DC area therapy practice!
Schedule a consultation with us using our contact form.
Meet with one of our knowledgeable therapists.
Find yourself, and your best life, again.
Other Services at The Sterling Group
If you’re struggling with more than depression, our therapists are ready for you. We provide couples therapy and dating and relationship therapy for those that are looking to grow in their relationships. If you’re just hoping to work on yourself, we offer therapy for life transitions, boundary-setting, and support for self-discovery. For those with executive function and/or ADHD, we can provide expert support. Additionally, our therapists offer services online or in-person at our Washington, DC-based counseling practice to cater to your schedule and make it as easy as possible for you to prioritize your healing. We would love to chat with you today about the ways we can support your growth in all areas of life!
