What to look for in a counselor

Finding a counselor can be stressful and overwhelming. Where do you even start in your search? You might stumble upon a psychologytoday.com profile, someone’s website, or a social media account.

However, this is more so about what you want from your counselor. You might have heard the phrase “finding the right fit” as every therapist is different in their own way. If you have a hard time asking a therapist questions that will most benefit you, I can assure you your treatment will not be worthwhile in the end. So trust yourself in your search for that right therapist.

Here are some things to consider as you embark on this search:

1. Availability. Be honest with yourself and your counselor about when you are available to meet. If you know you can only meet at a specific time, ask them. It happens more often than not that the urgency to be seen at the next available time and get scheduled overrides what actually works long term. I will see people schedule an intake mid-day with the hope that afterwards they can have an evening appointment. Make it clear from the beginning what your ongoing availability is to not waste your time or money!

2. Experience working with a population that aligns with what you present with. For example, if you are seeking counseling for your teenage child who is experiencing depression and suicidal ideation, be sure to look for someone who has worked with a similar presentation before, and/or is receiving supervision or consultation. Counselors who attend accredited schools are trained in a wide variety of disorders, though they might not enjoy working with certain type of specialties such as depression and suicide.

3. Think about what you want from your counselor. Some people come to counseling looking for someone to listen and vent to. Other people come looking for someone to challenge their thoughts and provide homework. Some might need a therapist that can emulate a relationship that has been missing (e.g. maybe you seek a male therapist for a troubling relationship with your father) or maybe you need a therapist who can make you laugh. You might also consider a therapist you know can better identity with your cultural identity. Maybe you need someone who isn’t afraid to call you out. So think about what you hope for in a counselor and look for that.

4. You are the one hiring us. Think of that first session as an interview. Before you go, check out the counselor’s website, blog, and social media. Ask questions about how they typically approach treatment, how long and often they see clients, and if they have any concerns about treating your symptoms. This is all important information for you to have as a client! 

While this list is not comprehensive, it should give you a good place to start. Good luck!