1 (719) 494 7412

How to Find the Right Therapist

By Amanda Liñan
LCSW, CST

Set your main goals

  • What do you want to be different in your life?
  • What goals do you want to achieve through therapy?
  • How will you know when therapy is done?

Specialities

  • There is a speciality for every problem. What kind of specialty do you think you need? Depression? Anxiety? ADHD? Trauma? Sex? Couples? Addiction? Perhaps more than one specialty?
  • The type of licensing or degree does not matter as much as their certifications and training experiences. If you are not sure what the letters mean, Google the letters followed by “therapy” (e.g., “LPC therapy”). It will tell you what it means.
  • Be aware that “coach” and “psychotherapist” are not strictly regulated and the training can be minimal to none.

Decide what kind of experience you want to have

  • Do you want somewhere to vent, a listener?
  • Do you want someone that is going to challenge you?
  • Do you want practical tools and suggestions?
  • Do you want deep emotional work?
  • Do you want homework? Or do you want to leave it in the room?

Actually Locate One

  • Psychology Today is a great resource since you can filter your search by specialty, insurance, etc. Make sure you read through their profile pages.
  • Ask for personal recommendations from someone you know if you feel comfortable.
  • Do a basic Google search and see what comes up, and make sure you read through their websites.

Question the therapist

  • Nearly all therapists offer a free consultation call. Come prepared with questions and let them know exactly what your goals are and the kind of experience you want to have. Ask them if they can meet that, and, if they can’t, who they would recommend.
  • Trust your intuition on how much you like and connect with them. Your relationship with your therapist is a huge part of progress.
  • It is ok to ask if they have certifications or training experiences and what kind. You don’t want someone who took a one day course in anxiety to try to treat your severe anxiety. You are hiring someone to help you, it is ok to grill them (kindly) to be sure it’s a good fit.

Featured Posts

Categories
TAGS:
Amanda Linan
Amanda Linan
Amanda Linan, LCSW, CST, has been working in the field since 2010 in various capacities, which has garnered education and experience with sexuality, relationships, mental health, disabilities, substance use, and trauma. Amanda is a Certified Sex Therapist and specializes in relationships and sexuality. She is Level I, II and III trained in Gottman Method.
Principle Skills Relationship Center is one of the few therapy practices in Colorado that specializes in treating couples with The Gottman Method. The Center integrates the Method in treating betrayal, trauma, and sexual compulsions and addictions.
Twitter Linkedin-in Yelp Facebook-f Instagram
Quick Links
Get in Touch
  • 7710 N. Union Blvd., Suite 202 Colorado Springs, CO 80920
  • 1 (719) 494 7412