Finding the One: 8 tips to help you find the right faith-based counselor for you
Choosing a faith-based therapist who is the right fit for you involves careful consideration of your needs, values, and preferences as well as the therapist’s credentials. Also, the research shows that 40% of the efficacy of counseling depends on the relationship between the therapist and client. So, it is very important that you are comfortable with the therapist you choose. As a person of faith, there are additional considerations to factor into your choice of professional therapist. Here are steps to help you make an informed decision.
Define Your Goals and Needs:
Clarify the specific issues or concerns you want to address in therapy. Do you need to work on decreasing anxiety? Are you having symptoms of depression or struggling to maintain focus? Are there heavy circumstances you need to process with an objective helper? Once you determine your needs, you can seek a therapist that specializes in meeting that need. Also it is important for you to decide how much you want your faith to be incorporated into your therapeutic experience. If you want to be sure the therapist is aligned with your faith and values, you will want to seek a therapist that identifies with your same faith and values.
2. Do your research!
There are several directories you can use to find an effective therapist. The most popular and robust one is Psychology Today. You can put filters into Psychology Today to focus your search on both your presenting issues and the characteristics of the therapist. You can also filter your search to pull a list of faith-based therapists in your area. It can also be helpful to seek recommendations from trusted individuals, such as friends, family members, or members of your faith community who have had positive therapy experiences. Many churches provide a list of therapists that they recommend and you can ask your pastor to provide you with your church’s recommendations.
3. Check Credentials and Licensure:
Professional therapists are licensed through your state just like other medical and healthcare professionals. If a therapist claims to be credentialed with a state license, you can look up this information at any time. In Florida, you can look up license information HERE: You can also review the therapist’s education credentials and any specific trainings they have completed on their website or Psychology Today profile.
4. Talk to them!
Call the therapists office and ask for a short consultation. Most therapists are willing to spend a few minutes on the phone with you before your initial session to help answer any questions you have and to give you a chance to see if we are a good fit for you. We would rather help you make an informed decision that sets you up for a good experience than have you schedule with us only to find out that we are not a good fit. This is also a good chance to ask specific questions about how your faith and beliefs will be incorporated into the sessions.
5. Read Reviews and Testimonials:
Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gain insights into the therapist's approach and client satisfaction. Sometimes you can see these reviews on google or their website may have a place where they highlight testimonials of clients who have found them to be helpful and effective.
6. Discuss Beliefs and Values:
If the therapist does not openly claim to offer faith-based therapy and it is important to you that your faith is incorporated into the process, it is helpful for you to ask the therapist about how they handle the integration of faith and therapy. Consider how well the therapist respects your preferences and understands the unique perspective your faith gives you. If it is important to you that your beliefs be incorporated into the process, discussing this early on is essential.
7. Assess the Therapeutic Approach:
Inquire about the therapist's approach to counseling. Determine whether they use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, or are trained to incorporate faith-based principles. If they use an approach to therapy that you are unfamiliar with, look on their website for more information about what this approach entails. If you need further clarification, ask questions!
8. Consider the Logistics and Practicality of the Therapist:
Does the therapist have an office that is convenient for you to visit? If you want to do virtual sessions, do they have available times that are compatible with your schedule? Evaluating these logistical factors early on is important. Therapy can be a big commitment and it is important that there are not additional barriers to you being able to engage it consistently. Also consider if the therapist accepts your insurance if you would prefer to use it for sessions. If you are going to pay out of pocket, is the therapist willing to provide the necessary paperwork for you to submit and out of network claim?
Take your time! Remember that choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and finding the right fit may take some time. Trust your judgment and prioritize a therapist who respects your faith and values while providing the support, guidance and expertise you need to meet your therapeutic goals.
