How to Find the Right Counselor

Finding a counselor may not seem like a daunting task, but if you aren't comfortable enough to share intimate details of your life with someone it can produce a rather large stumbling block from reaching your full potential. Consider several aspects that will narrow down your list of potential providers and eventually lead you to find the right counselor.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone book
• Telephone
• Internet access
• Counseling appointments

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Instructions

• 1

  Interview a variety of counselors. It may take several interviews to find a therapist you feel comfortable enough with to disclose personal issues. Look for a counselor that makes you feel safe and with whom you feel comfortable speaking with. This will allow you to open up and get to the root of your issues.

• 2

  Evaluate the cost of each counselor's services. Even if you are insured, you may have high deductibles and/or caps on the amount of services you receive. A counselor may not be best suited to counsel you just because they are more expensive. Try to select a counselor who is qualified to provide services to you within your budget. If you begin sessions but are unable to finish because of costs, you may be hindering your own psychological growth.

• 3

  Consider the qualifications of each counselor you interview. More credentials or a longer work history may imply that the therapist can help you get to the root of your issues. Many counselors receive specialized training. For example, if you are a minority you may want to select a counselor who has received multicultural training. These qualifications would help to improve the communication between you and your counselor, which is the cornerstone of successful therapy.

• 4

  Decide if you would feel more comfortable speaking with a male therapist or a female therapist. Some people seem to open up more with one gender rather than the other. The easier it is for you to talk about your problems the less sessions you will need and the more money you will save.

• 5

  Research the mission statement or mantra of the agency or the counselor you are interviewing. You should be sure that the value system of the counselor does not conflict with those of your own in a way that would prevent them from effectively counseling you. There is a wide array of counselors who cater to a specific group of people. For instance, some counselors provide therapy based on Biblical teachings, post traumatic stress disorder, children and so on.