How Do I Find A Great Therapist Near Me?
/
You’ve been going back and forth for days, weeks, maybe months, toying with the idea of getting help. Now you have made the brave decision to talk to someone about what’s been going on.
How do you figure out who that someone should be?
You probably start in the place many of us would… Google. And maybe your search is general – “therapist near me,” “psychologist near me” or “counselor near me.” Or maybe it’s a more specific search, such as “grief counseling” or “therapy after divorce.”
No matter what you search, Google gives you page after page of possibilities. Now what?
Let me help you find a therapist in Delaware County, PA.
Here are some tips to help narrow the field, so you can connect with the best therapist for you.
1. Think about you
First and foremost, think about what you want out of this experience. Think about where you’d like to be in three months or six months if therapy is working? What is bringing you to therapy, and what might you like to look different? Do you need a therapist specializing in grief, a counselor for depression, individual therapy, etc.? Have you tried therapy before? If so, what was helpful and what wasn’t? Do you have a preference in the type of therapist you see - their gender, age, level training? You don’t have to have all the answers but taking a moment to reflect on what you are looking for and what might make you most comfortable can be very helpful.
2. Use a therapist directory
There are a ton of directories of top psychologists that can help narrow down your search. It’s kind of like online dating. When I help my friends and family around the country find a therapist, I often start with Psychology Today. What I like best is that each therapist typically has a blurb and a picture. (See, just like online dating!) From there, you can get a sense of their style and the way they approach therapy. It’s the first step in getting to know who you might be working with. The therapist directories also typically have options to narrow down your search as well.
3. Ask around for a good therapist
Asking others who they have worked with, or know of, may also lead you to a good fit. Don’t limit yourself to just friends, family and coworkers. If you are coping with a death, you might ask the funeral home if they have any suggestions for a grief therapist. Or if you are struggling with a divorce or separation, ask your lawyer. Think outside the box a bit.
4. Read Websites and Call
You’ve got some names. Now it’s time to dig a little deeper. Check out websites, which often offer more than the short blurb in therapist directories. If you are interested, call. It can be scary, but it’s a great way to see what interacting in person might be like. Take notice of how you feel as you are talking to them. Do you feel comfortable? Is this someone you might be able to open up to? Ask them any questions you have, such as about scheduling and fees. Additionally, although you may like their personality, does their specialty and type of therapy match your goals for therapy?
Free Therapy Consultation in Swarthmore, PA
Whether in Media, Wallingford, Springfield, Ridley Park or one of the many other towns in Delaware County, there is someone who can help you. If you are curious if I may be a good fit for you, take a look at my website, send me an email or give me a call for a free 15-minute phone consultation.