Admitting you need help to get through a difficult time can be a major decision. If the decision is made as a couple, the decision can have additional implications as you and your partner decide to see a therapist. Even as this first step may come with some anxiety, seeking therapy is an intentional decision to initiate change and hope in your relationship. Such courage and maturity should be supported by a compassionate and experienced professional.

Selecting a qualified, trustworthy therapist will make all the difference right now. How exactly do you go about that? Consider the following tips:

First, Understand How a Therapist Can Help

Counseling is not a guarantee.  Instead, think of it as a commitment to helping you solidify your commitment to understanding, communication, and problem-solving. If your individual issues or relationship problems have existed for a while, it’s important to find the right therapeutic fit and make a priority for the time required to work through your unique situation.

Therapy is a proven option for those seeking guidance. Setting aside time in a safe and intentional way is essential. Choosing a therapist who honors your time and willingness to make it a priority is key. Some of the benefits of choosing such a counselor include:

• Commitment to helping you in determining your needs, wants, and aspirations

• Support from a trained professional who can facilitate productive thinking and interaction

• Building a healthy professional relationship that will help you communicate concerns or problems

• The capacity to support you impartially and creatively, while allowing you to guide your own care

• Openness to new approaches and ongoing education to help you recover and move forward

• Providing the tools you may need to gain insight, connect and/or manage conflicts and change

Key Actions to Employ When Selecting Your Therapist

Ask Family or Friends for a Recommendation

A counselor who works well with people and makes them feel safe and comfortable is vital. People who feel this way about their therapist will be happy to sing their praises. Talk to people who feel comfortable about their participation in therapy and ask about who they worked with. A satisfied client is an invaluable resource for a good recommendation.

Consider Credentials

Experience and qualifications are not to be overlooked, particularly if you know your situation may require specialization. Not all therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, couples counseling, or have a background in managing multiple situations at once. Ask about credentials and training. This is simply a matter of finding the best fit and solutions-based guidance for you early on.

Don’t Hold Back

For the sake of clarity and an ideal match, it is essential that your initial discussion with a potential counselor is as comprehensive as possible. Share as full a picture of your struggles as possible, as this will give them a fair chance at sharing their thoughts and establishing trust. Moreover, you’ll get a more accurate idea of how well they communicate their approach.

Keep Your Mind and Options Open

To get a clear sense of potential therapists, take full advantage of free or pre-session consultation time.  When you meet, consider the following:

• Are your concerns validated?

• Do you feel pressured? Are you being treated equally and fairly?

• As you share, do you sense your feedback and input are respected?

• Does your therapist feel at all imposing or too focused on a single method?

It is important that you feel empowered to guide your care and make decisions that make you feel comfortable. Be open-minded and fair but do trust your gut as well. Don’t read a consultation as an obligation to work together if you don’t feel confident about it.

Listen for Hope, Positivity, and Encouragement

You want a supporter and guide for this journey. It’s important that your therapist believes in you and your ability to meet your goals for change. They needn’t be overly confident, but you don’t want the sense that they are overwhelmed by your challenges. If they seem negative or hesitant to encourage you, reconsider working together. Collaboration and trust will require a shared belief that change is possible.

Today is a Great Day to Reach Out

Finally, to take the first steps toward change, start by seeking out a therapist who you can trust. This process needn’t be difficult. Ask as many questions as you need to, and feel free to make your needs known. Soon, you’ll find your guide and your mental health journey will be satisfyingly underway.

The counselors at the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin can help couples and individuals who are looking to make changes in their life. If you are interested in speaking with a counselor at RCC Austin to find out if they will be the right fit for you, please reach out. To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (512) 270-4883 or request an appointment on the RCC Austin Scheduling page. We look forward to hearing from you.