“Traumatic experiences from the past can also be a reason for seeking treatment, and we often see traumatic symptoms in veterans, first responders, and individuals who have been victims of abuse,” Marcum tells mbg. “Sometimes the referrals come from a physician or the courts to help people address addiction or eating disorders.” No matter your reason for choosing to begin therapy, it is valid. This is a highly personal journey; remember to applaud yourself for taking this step forward to care for your mental health. You can also ask for referrals from your primary doctor, your insurance company, or other health care practitioners you already work with, says Guarino. You can also look at what training and credentials they have to see how their professional expertise lines up with your needs. “It’s also a good idea to check their credentials and see if there have been any problems with their work (these are public records in each state),” Marcum adds. If you don’t have insurance, there are still affordable ways to access therapy including looking into local social services, finding therapists that offer sliding-scale options, disability benefits, and more. According to the American Psychological Association’s research, working with a therapist you can personally relate to, feel safe with, and who will tailor treatment to your individual background (including your culture, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and more) leads to better therapeutic outcomes. A relatable therapist who shows genuine interest in you, your identity, and your unique growth process sets a groundwork of trust so that you’ll feel safest to slowly reveal all parts of your most authentic self. To help you figure out if a potential therapist is the right fit, Guarino notes that therapists often offer a 15-minute consultation, so you may be able to meet your potential therapist before beginning sessions. During your consultation, you can ask questions like “how can you help me address my concerns?” and “what can I expect during our sessions?” You may also ask about your financial concerns, scheduling options, and the therapist’s availability during the 15-minute consultation. When a genuine connection is established within the patient-client-container, there is the potential for magic to occur in the form of being seen, heard, and permitted to express one’s heart openly and freely.
