Finding your “Unicorn” Therapist
Finding your “Unicorn” Therapist
Bethany Thomas, MSW, LICSW
May 10th, 2022
As a therapist who has been to numerous therapists myself, I know how hard it can be to find THE THERAPIST. The one that just seems to get you and you feel comfortable with. That unicorn is out there, I can tell you that for sure. It is totally okay to try a few therapists to find your “fit”. But- there are a couple of quick tips I can give you that might help you find that right therapist quicker than you think AND what questions to ask to find out if your therapist is “the one”.
Ask a friend or family member. Chances are this is going to be someone who knows you really well. They might know someone or of someone that might fit your vibe. I found my therapist from a good friend and it has been the BEST experience. Let’s start at the source and go to the people who know you best! You could also consider other parts of the community you are connected to such as places of worship, community groups, parenting groups etc.
Find a directory page. Pages like Psychology Today, Mental Health Match or Therapy Den can help you search for therapists that meet your needs. You can search for everything from your insurance providers, types of treatment modalities, even gender and sexuality. Plus many therapists use video intros that can give you a sneak peek into how they operate!
ASK QUESTIONS! This is HUGE. When you finally sit down with a therapist that you found, ask them questions. Ask how they typically treat anxiety (or whatever you are coming to see them for). Ask them how long they expect therapy to take? Ask them their experiences with your current concern. One of the most important indicators of success in therapy is relationship with your therapist. This is your chance to ask questions, don’t be afraid!
Finally- pay attention to those gut feelings of yours. Do things feel awesome and you found your UNICORN therapist? Do they feel a little off and you just aren’t sure why? You don’t have to know why. Those gut instincts and first impressions are important and it is okay to listen to them. You deserve to find that therapist that is a FIT for you and that you WANT to work with. Don’t settle for what is not working for you.
If you have questions about finding your UNICORN, lets chat! You might be closer than you think ;)