Minisode 3 | April 19, 2022
How do I know if my therapist is the right fit?
In our third minisode in a series about accessing and normalizing therapy, we help you determine if you're working with the RIGHT therapist.
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no and setting boundaries so you can become the authentic and empowered you that this world needs.
Reminder: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com
SHOW NOTES
In season 2 of That’s a Hard No, we’re making it a priority to dig deeper into the process of finding and utilizing the mental health support you may need. We’re taking some time to discuss with our “in-house expert,” Sarah Saunders, what to expect from therapy and all of its intricacies.
How To Know Your Therapist is Right for YOU
- Do you feel safe and comfortable? – Therapy needs to be a space you are comfortable with being vulnerable.
- Does your therapist want what’s best for you? – Your interest needs to be the priority of your therapist in order to provide you the care and understanding you deserve.
- Is your therapist a strong communicator? – Transparency is extremely important to build trust with your provider, this includes how your sessions will go, financials, and all other details.
- Does your therapist check in with you? – Not only are they checking in during lulls of sessions, but also on a consistent basis during sessions. You should expect your provider to ask how things are going and if you are feeling the benefits of your time together.
- Does your therapist educate themselves on your specific needs? – All therapists have their specialties, and maybe they may not understand enough to provide the care you need, but are they making the effort to be best versed in your particular needs or directing you elsewhere?
- Does your therapist challenge you, respectfully? – Respectfully being the key word here, but your provider should be offering you opportunities to grow and oftentimes this is by challenging ourselves.
- Do they provide you tools and resources? – Your therapist should be directing you to readings, websites, podcasts, anything that may help you cope and heal. They don’t have to be your only resource.
- Are you seeing and feeling the value in your work together? – This may not be instantaneous, but even after a few sessions you should be starting to feel a change.
Resources
- Therapist Checklist – This is a quick guide (in the form of a checklist) to review your current experience in therapy. If the majority of these questions aren’t “checked” then you may want to reevaluate the therapist you are working with.
Credits and Thanks
- Many thanks to our friends and families (our “villagers”) for listening, and for your continued support.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Marketing and Production Coordinator, Maura Del Rosario.
- Production Support, Evergreen Podcasts, Noah Foutz, Producer.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs.