Finding a Counselor or a Therapist
The quality of your relationship with your counselor or therapist is the single most important factor in the success of your journey. Building a trusting relationship – a therapeutic alliance – means that you feel safe and comfortable bringing up your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, knowing you won’t be judged or shamed. You should feel heard and supported, and your counselor should respond to you with empathy and understanding, offering feedback to help you “unpack” and process your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to what’s happening in your life.
Looking for a counselor or therapist?
If you’re looking for a counselor or therapist, it’s a good idea to speak to a few people – not just email or text them. Hearing a person’s voice, and listening to how they respond to you, can tell you a lot:
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Is their manner warm and inviting?
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Are they focused and attentive to what you’re saying?
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How do you respond to the sound of their voice?
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Is the speed and energy of their speech easy for you to follow?
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As you describe what you’re looking for, do they seem to “get it?”
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Do they have experience working with the issues you’re going through?
No therapist can be the “right” therapist for everyone, so it’s important to find a good “fit.” Click on the “Good Fit Checklist” to help you get started.
Using Insurance for Therapy
If you want to use insurance to help pay for counseling, most insurance companies have a directory or search feature on their website to help you find someone in your network. You can also go to www.psychologytoday.com and search by insurance, to view the profiles of people who accept your plan. (If you have NJ Family Care, search under Medicaid.)
