When you start searching for a therapist online, you may not be able to handle things in a proper way. You may have tried entering your zip code on the website of a mental health care provider and chosen a few names from the first-page result. This must be the best way in which you have searched for a new therapist. But, did you take all the other necessary steps that you should have taken?
Though you can search through online listings like e-counseling.com where you can find thousands of mental health professionals, there are different things you should look at before speaking with a therapist near you. Read below to understand some of the things you should keep in mind before committing yourself to a therapist.
Be clear about what you want from the therapist
Try to understand what you need. This means asking yourself questions so that you can narrow down your search. What do you think you need help with? Until the first session, clients won’t receive any diagnosis, but there are ways of getting an understanding of what you may be going through before you meet with a therapist.
Research the issues that you’re struggling with and the symptoms that you’re having before you commit yourself to the therapist. In case you think you suffer from depression, you should seek the help of a therapist who specializes in treating depression. On the contrary, if you have suffered from a life-altering event like job loss, moving homes, or a divorce, find the help of a therapist who specializes in coping with changes in life.
What is the frequency of the sessions?
The majority of therapy sessions continue for more than an hour, but depending on the situation you are in, you may want less time (or more than an hour). There are several clients who meet more than once a week and there are also some others who only meet once a month. There are also people who “meet” with their therapist every day.
There are apps like Talkspace which let people message their therapist whenever they wish to (these companies like Talkspace charge a cheap monthly fee as well). Again, while you need to take into account how severe and crucial your issues are before you commit yourself to the therapist, finding out the frequency of your visits should be a top priority for you.
Few common types of psychotherapy
Yet another way of finding the best therapist for you is by knowing the different forms of therapy that are available. A few of the common therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy among the various others that are available.
Try to get an understanding of which one may be good for you, even though the professional will make the recommendation for you. It will ease your mind just by having that knowledge prior to your first meeting.
Therefore, if you’re someone who is thinking of seeking the help of an online therapist, you should take into account the above-listed points to choose the best one in the market. Just make sure he/she is licensed and accredited.