Looking For a Counselor?
That's great!
Deciding to talk to a counselor is a powerful step toward taking care of yourself and improving your quality of life. It can also be scary, particularly if you've never been in counseling before. It's hard to shop for a service that you're not familiar with, and reaching out to potential counselors can be anxiety-provoking.
Let's walk through how to find a counselor who is a good fit for you, and how to judge whether that counselor continues to be a good fit as therapy progresses.
Deciding to talk to a counselor is a powerful step toward taking care of yourself and improving your quality of life. It can also be scary, particularly if you've never been in counseling before. It's hard to shop for a service that you're not familiar with, and reaching out to potential counselors can be anxiety-provoking.
Let's walk through how to find a counselor who is a good fit for you, and how to judge whether that counselor continues to be a good fit as therapy progresses.
Finding a Counselor
The process begins with locating potential counselors and setting up brief introductory conversations to help you determine who might be the best match.
Start by conducting an internet search for counselors in your area or telecounseling in your state. You can contact your insurance provider for in-network clinicians. If you have a doctor, family, or friends who have worked with counselors, you may ask if they have recommendations.
Pick three that look promising and call or email them. A timely response — usually within a business day or two — is a good indication that the counselor manages communication and scheduling well.
Once you get in touch, you'll want to gather some key information.
Start by conducting an internet search for counselors in your area or telecounseling in your state. You can contact your insurance provider for in-network clinicians. If you have a doctor, family, or friends who have worked with counselors, you may ask if they have recommendations.
Pick three that look promising and call or email them. A timely response — usually within a business day or two — is a good indication that the counselor manages communication and scheduling well.
Once you get in touch, you'll want to gather some key information.
There isn't a single therapist or treatment approach that works for everyone, so there are no absolute right answers to these questions. Still, there are some general qualities and responses that can help you recognize a good fit.
While a license doesn't guarantee a perfect fit, it's essential that your counselor is licensed to practice independently in your state.
If you feel heard, have a clear understanding of the counselor's approach, and genuinely like the person, you're on the right track.
While a license doesn't guarantee a perfect fit, it's essential that your counselor is licensed to practice independently in your state.
If you feel heard, have a clear understanding of the counselor's approach, and genuinely like the person, you're on the right track.
The First Session
Once you've chosen a counselor, your first meeting is an opportunity to set the foundation for your work together.
The first session usually involves some practical details. You'll complete new client paperwork, and your counselor will review important policies — including payment, scheduling, and how to contact them between sessions. If you have any questions at this stage, don't hesitate to speak up!
The remainder of the session usually focuses on building rapport and helping your counselor understand your situation so they can begin developing a treatment plan. By the end of the session, your counselor should be able to outline the first steps you'll take together to begin addressing your concerns. If anything feels unclear, or if you have questions, speak up!
The first session usually involves some practical details. You'll complete new client paperwork, and your counselor will review important policies — including payment, scheduling, and how to contact them between sessions. If you have any questions at this stage, don't hesitate to speak up!
The remainder of the session usually focuses on building rapport and helping your counselor understand your situation so they can begin developing a treatment plan. By the end of the session, your counselor should be able to outline the first steps you'll take together to begin addressing your concerns. If anything feels unclear, or if you have questions, speak up!
Continuing and Discontinuing Therapy
From there, your work in therapy will ideally progress smoothly. As you and your counselor build trust and rapport, you'll begin to notice positive changes in the concerns that brought you to counseling. The process may not always be quick, easy, or comfortable, but you should feel that you're making meaningful progress.
You and your counselor should have a shared understanding of how you'll know when your goals have been met. Once that point is reached, you can begin planning how to conclude treatment in a way that feels right for both of you.
You and your counselor should have a shared understanding of how you'll know when your goals have been met. Once that point is reached, you can begin planning how to conclude treatment in a way that feels right for both of you.
What If Things Don't Go Smoothly?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, therapy may not feel like it's working as it should. For example:
🚩 You feel unheard or confused, and the counselor dominates the conversation.
🚩 The counselor frequently shares personal stories that don't directly relate to your situation.
🚩 The office has unclear policies or is consistently unreliable with scheduling or billing.
🚩 You start feeling unsure of yourself or overly dependent on your counselor.
🚩 The counselor crosses boundaries or behaves in ways that make you feel unsafe.
If you experience problems in therapy, trust your instincts. You should always be able to express disagreement respectfully and have your boundaries honored. If something feels off, bring it up with your counselor. If their response isn't validating or the issue doesn't improve, it may be time to find a new counselor.
No matter their therapeutic approach, a good mental health professional will remain respectful, responsive, and focused on your well-being.
No matter their therapeutic approach, a good mental health professional will remain respectful, responsive, and focused on your well-being.
Ready to Get Started?
At Flyover Counseling, we offer free consultations to help you find the right fit. Our experienced counselors provide telecounseling services across Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.
Or call us at (515)738-0358