The decision to pursue therapy can be very tricky. You may worry about opening up to a complete stranger and the vulnerable position that puts you in. It’s also possible you are concerned about judgment from outside sources if your friends and family find out that you are seeking therapy. Whatever the case may be, the decision is extremely personal and finding the right therapist for you has many considerations. It can take a while to find the right fit.
It’s important when searching for a therapist to make sure it is someone you can trust. Sometimes it takes trying more than one new therapist before you find the right fit for you. A few things to ask yourself during a first therapy session with a new provider:
- Do you feel accepted by your new therapist?
- Do they make it a point to understand you as a new client?
- Do you feel comfortable with your new therapist?
- Do you feel your new therapist cares about your issues?
- Are they in accordance with guidelines and a code of ethics?
When seeking a new therapist, you should aim to find one that you are comfortable opening up to. Finding someone who makes you feel safe to talk about some of the most vulnerable topics can be a challenge, but if you feel that a new therapist is not making an effort to connect with you and understand the issues that you bring forth in therapy, it may not be a great fit. Here at ITM, we work diligently to make all of our patients feel cared about, accepted and understood. We have a very diverse staff with a variety of different backgrounds, professional training, and specialties. We believe that we truly have a therapist for everyone.
It is also crucial to make sure that any professional you see is following strict guidelines and a code of ethics regarding patient confidentiality. The topics that you bring to therapy can be very sensitive, personal, and hard to talk about. The basis of a strong working relationship with any therapist is trust. You should never feel like your information isn’t safe with any professional you work with. No one – family or friends – should ever be able to access any information that you disclose in therapy without proper authorization to release information from you, the patient. At ITM, we take our code of ethics and patient confidentiality very seriously.
Overall, while it can be a tricky task to find the right therapist for you, it is always worth taking the time to meet the one who fits your needs. Pursuing therapy can greatly increase the quality of your life, and we are willing to help you every step of the way to be your best self at ITM!