A realistic approach to finding the right mental health professional is important.
Many people will try one provider and then give up if it doesn’t work to their expectations.
So, think of a therapist as a service provider, like a lawyer or an accountant. Chances are you’d do your homework before choosing someone to work with you. You’d likely interview several candidates and check references and qualifications, to determine if they are the right fit for your needs.
Finding a mental health professional is no different.
Compatibility is Everything
In my experience, with coaches, psychologists, or counselors, there are certain people who resonate with you and others with whom you could never work.
You want to make sure, beyond qualifications and expertise, that your personalities, values, beliefs, and working and communication styles work well together.
So, I recommend you plan for an initial session with two, four or, if needed, five or six different mental health practitioners until you find one that’s right for you.
If you expect that it’s going to take three or four or five conversations with different professionals to find the right fit, you’re bound to be successful.
The First Step
An ideal place to start is to get recommendations from people you know and respect – people who have similar beliefs and approaches to the world.
When a client asks us for a recommendation, we first assess what they need, and consider which of of the dozens of advisors we know that would be the best candidates to suit their situation and personality.
When it comes to choosing this kind of service provider, you want to make sure you make the right choice. Your mental health will thank you for it.
The Challenge
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- If you already have a great counselor, psychologist or other mental health practitioner, congratulations! Maybe you can connect people in your network to them.
- If you don’t have one and would like to, what can you do to make sure you try three or four or five professionals to find one you’re comfortable working with.
Other blogs
- What Makes You Happy?
- Running to Catch Up or Leading the Pack?
- The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship
Older podcasts
Resources
9-8-8 hotline for mental health and suicide prevention support.
Free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Trained crisis responders will listen to you and provide support with compassion, and a safe space to talk.
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