Deciding to go to therapy is a brave and difficult choice. Many people hesitate to go to therapy because they do not believe it will do anything for them, but therapy is incredibly helpful for all kinds of problems in life, no matter how big or small. If you are looking for a high-quality type of therapy with an empathetic and well-trained therapist, then read through this guide on how to choose the right high-quality mental therapy to improve your well-being.
Identify Your Therapy Goals
Everyone has different reasons for entering therapy, and when you first find an online therapy platform or an in-person center, they will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your therapy needs and goals. It is important to think about these things before you land on any specific kind of therapy. Take some time to sit down with your thoughts and jot down a list of things you would like to get out of therapy to help you improve your mental health.
Set a Budget
Therapy is known for being on the pricier side, but nowadays there are many more affordable options. Certain online therapy platforms and in-person offices offer therapy sessions between $75 – $200 per hour, meaning that more people can have access to therapy than ever before. Depending on your financial situation, you can choose to do therapy once per week or spread it out to once every two weeks or once per month so that you are still getting the help you need without breaking the bank. When you set your budget, make sure to look online for therapists who have reasonable rates but also have good reviews.
Research Different Types of Therapists and Their Approaches
Therapy encompasses a wide range of techniques depending on your trauma or other issues that you want to work through in sessions. The three most common types of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Some therapists can provide all three of these techniques in this practice while others specialize in one of these approaches.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on issues with anxiety and depression by retraining the brain and changing negative thought patterns. Psychodynamic Therapy focuses on understanding subconscious influences and past experiences, helping individuals uncover patterns in their emotions and behaviors. Mindfulness-based therapy helps patients focus on present-moment awareness, which is helpful for stress management.
Check Credentials and Experience
It is always important to read up on a therapist’s credentials and their years of experience. Therapist websites should have an autobiography section where they explain their years of experience and their specialties. If you have specific preferences for a therapist like LGBTQ+ friendly or trained in certain traumas, make sure to read through their list of specialties. This will ensure that you are talking to someone who can relate to you and what you are going through.
After you have gone through the steps above, all that is left to do is schedule an initial consultation to see how you get along with your chosen therapist. This is the final step to see if the services they offer are high-quality and suited to your well-being needs.
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