THUNAISometimes the hardest part about anything (including therapy) is figuring out how to get started. This article will provide an answer to this question, and a few points to keep in mind when looking for a therapist.
What to look for?
Area of experience: Counsellors can specialise in different areas. For example, marriage counselling or addictions counselling. Look for a specialty in the area that you want support in. If you are seeking support for your marriage, then seek a marriage counsellor.
Session length: This can typically vary. You can expect each session to be about an hour long, with the last few minutes focused on preparing for the next session and wrapping up. Group counselling can take longer.
Monetary cost: This is also something you should discuss when you first contact a counsellor. Some offer a “sliding scale” for the cost, where it will be based on how much you earn. Some types of counselling can cost more.
Long-term or short-term counselling: Talk to your counsellor about which one would better serve your purpose.
How to get started?
Making first contact: You can use this first contact as well as your first appointment to ask questions. For example, you can ask about:
The hours they work, if they work weekends and evenings and how often sessions are held.
The fees and how much they charge for an initial session.
Practical questions that might take some of the stress away from planning around your appointment, such as what bus or train routes there are to get there, about parking, or whether there is a waiting area.
Is it the right fit?: Having a good relationship with your counsellor is extremely essential in your recovery. For some people it is important to have a counsellor that reflects their own lifestyle, choices, race, sexuality, values or beliefs. If these things are important to you, then don’t be afraid to ask early on.
Booking a session and preparation: You don’t need to be over prepared, however, it would be good to think about specific areas you want to work on. For example, instead of just going in with the idea that “I am unhappy”, try to think of the specific events or other feelings that might have triggered this such as “I just broke up”. Be prepared to face personal questions - this is all a part of the process.
Good luck and don’t give up.
If you feel like it isn’t the right fit the first time, then keep looking until you do!
There is always more support and help available.