How to Seek Therapy and A Therapist for the First Time

Are you thinking of starting therapy? That is excellent, but how do you start?

First, let’s talk about how therapy can help you.

Therapy is mental health counseling that benefits individuals struggling with emotional and social difficulties, coping with past traumatic experiences, ending destructive habits, and changing negative behaviors into positive ones. In addition to assisting with mental health, therapy is also beneficial for learning communication skills, establishing self-confidence, developing stress management, and progressing self-growth.

While it is helpful and important to have close relationships with friends and family who you can talk to, sometimes help is needed that they cannot provide. Therapists are professionally trained to help you overcome emotional difficulties, make positive changes in your life, and get to the root of your problems. They provide an outside perspective, expert guidance, and strategic techniques to give you the personalized support you need.

How to Seek Therapy

It may feel overwhelming when you begin your search for seeking therapy. There are a variety of therapies and therapists offered, so it will take research and patience, but it is worth the effort. Listed below are common types of therapies with explanations to help you.

Individual Therapy 

Individual therapy is a one-on-one session between the patient and therapist. It explores expression of emotions, behavior patterns, problem solving, conflict resolution, and individual strengths and weaknesses. It is beneficial for people who have extreme emotions, experience trauma, struggle with substance abuse, have difficulties at work, feel a loss of enjoyment in activities, and have poor social relations. Sessions may be short or long term depending on the individual’s situation.

Family Therapy

Family therapy helps to improve family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. It addresses issues such as marital problems, financial difficulties, conflicts between parents and children, or the impacts of substance abuse and mental illness on the family unit. Successful outcomes of family therapy include understanding one another better, providing coping skills during challenging situations, and a better sense of togetherness.

Group Therapy 

Group therapy involves one or more therapists working with a group of individuals experiencing similar situations/emotions/behaviors. It can help with negative emotions, eating disorders, PTSD, relationships, social issues, chronic pain, and phobias. Group therapy is beneficial because it allows individuals to receive support from both the therapist and other members of the group, it provides a safe space to practice new skills, and individuals can find inspiration from peers struggling with similar issues.

Couples Therapy

Couples therapy helps individuals in a committed relationship recognize and resolve conflicts to improve their relationship. It is beneficial to improve communication, sexual challenges, conflicts regarding children, substance abuse, and infidelity. You will learn problem-solving skills and ways to discuss differences in a rational way.

Note. Marriage counseling may be helpful for domestic abuse, but if violence is escalated and you are afraid of your partner, contact the police or a crisis center for emergency support. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (link to their website) is: 800-799-SAFE.

Now that you know the common types of therapies, here are the most common types of mental health professionals:

Psychologist

Psychologists have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D) in psychology and are licensed in clinical psychology. They commonly use psychotherapy (talk therapy) and a variety of techniques to diagnosis and address mental health concerns and disorders. Some may have specialized training in specific forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Psychiatrist

• Psychiatrists have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), and residency training in psychiatry. They diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medications.

Therapist

• Therapists have a masters degree in a mental health related field and have training in evaluating an individual’s mental health and using therapeutic techniques. They help clients develop better cognitive, emotional, and social skills through communication and coping techniques.

Social Worker

• Licensed social workers have a master’s degree in social work and clinical training. They help individuals, families, and communities to overcome stressful or difficult life situations. They commonly work in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals, and correctional facilities.

For a comprehensive list, click here
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How to Find the Right Therapist

The key to successful outcomes in therapy is having a strong connection with your therapist. You need to be able to trust them and feel comfortable with them.  You will be discussing difficult subjects and sharing personal information with them, so trust your gut when choosing a therapist. If they look great on paper, but the connection does not feel right, you should go with a different choice.

Another thing to look for is an experienced therapist. The reason you are seeing a therapist and not a trusted friend is because therapists offer tried and true methods to effectively deal with treating your problems. Experienced professionals have seen the problems you are facing and know techniques to help you. Especially when seeking therapy for abuse or trauma, seeing a specialist is essential. Make sure your therapist has the credentials and experience to help you.

Adapted from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/finding-a-therapist-who-can-help-you-heal.htm

A great way to answer these questions before committing to the therapist is to schedule a consultation appointment either via in person, video chat, or phone call. This introduction will allow you and your therapist to learn about one another, discuss therapeutic plans, and develop a rapport.
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Change AZ Therapists

Meet Tiffany and Brook who are experienced therapists here at Change AZ! They are amazing, licensed professionals and are committed to helping others. They offer a variety of therapies such as emotion management, LGBTQIA+, abuse and trauma, anger management, alternative and kink relationships, and so much more. Contact them here with any questions or if you would like to begin services!