4 Tips for How to Find a Therapist

Dr. Gagnon is a therapist in Plantation Florida.

Confused about how to find a therapist? Read my tips below.

How to Choose a Good Psychotherapist or Counselor

The best way to find a therapist is to look for someone that you like and feel you can trust.  Finding a good psychotherapist is a bit like beginning a new friendship. Entering into a psychotherapy relationship can be pretty scary.  After all, you’ll be sharing intimate details of your life with someone who right now is a stranger to you.  So, how do you know if you’re in good hands?  How do you know it will work out well for you?

Whenever I’m faced with these types of questions in my own life, I like to use the Jack Welsh approach and go with my gut.  Your gut, you see, is the voice of intuition.  The part of you that is connected to the Universe and just knows.  That part of you is generally right.

To get started, find a therapist (see my tips below) and then keep an open mind and give it 2 or 3 sessions.  If something doesn’t feel right, discuss it with your therapist and see how they respond to that.  A good therapist cares about you and wants to help you feel better about your life and relationships.  They want you to experience more joy and less suffering.  After discussing your concerns with them, a good therapist should be interested in working collaboratively with you to get things back on track.

If you don’t get that feeling, then go with your gut and find another therapist that’s a better fit for you.  Don’t give up on the value of therapy, and the benefits it can bring to your life because you didn’t like the first therapist you tried.

 Tips to Find a Therapist:

1. Ask a friend who went to therapy if they liked and can recommend their therapist.
2. Go online and Google. Look at therapists’ websites.  Read what they write and see if it speaks to you.  Do they seem to understand the type of issue you are having?
3. Ask about their training and experience.  How much experience to they have with couples counseling or substance abuse treatment, etc.
4. Ask what therapies they are trained and experienced in, and what their approach to therapy is.

And then, go with your gut!  Trust yourself. Your instincts will help you find a therapist.  After all, you are the expert on you, and you probably have a good idea of what you need!