Category: About Counseling

Finding Your Way through the Maze of Counselors: Some Tips for Finding the Right Counselor for You

6/3/2024

By Christine Murray

Whether the question comes from friends, neighbors, or colleagues, I’m often asked for recommendations on finding a counselor. I’m always happy to help when I can, and I’ve come to feel like this is sort of a matchmaking process, connecting individuals with a counselor that might be well-suited for them.

Even though I provide counseling services myself, I also know that I’m not always going to be the right fit for all prospective clients who may reach out to me. I believe it’s important for each person to find the right counselor or therapist who can offer the unique approach and type of support that they need to fit their unique situation and circumstances.

Finding a therapist or counselor can be complicated, especially now that there are known mental health professional shortages in many parts of the country. If you’re just getting started trying to navigate the maze of potential counselors to find some potential options that might work for you, I’ve pulled together some tips here to hone in on your needs and preferences, as well as a few steps to take to start your search.

Identifying Your Preferences

First, check out the list below to consider the type of therapist and treatment approaches that might resonate the most with you right now. (Keep in mind: Your needs for counseling can change over time. Preferences or needs you have now might be different than in the past, as well as down the road in the future!)

Do you prefer face-to-face sessions or online counseling? Consider if you prefer in-person sessions for a more personal, “in the room” connection, or online counseling for greater accessibility, convenience, or to expand your options outside of your immediate geographic area. Some therapists offer both options, whereas others only offer one format.
What payment options are available to you? Determine if you can pay out of pocket, and if so, what level of fees you can afford. Consider also if you have access to other payment options, such as private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare. If the cost may be a barrier for you, you might see if there is a graduate mental health professional training program in your area that offers low-cost services from students who are supervised by faculty members, and/or if there is a nonprofit or faith-based organization in your community that offers services on a low-fee or fee-for-service basis.
Would you prefer to work with a generalist or specialist? Some mental health professionals work with a broad range of clients, whereas others offer more specialized services based on a particular client population or treatment approach. Some of the treatment concerns that might be best suited for a specialized therapist (if available) include trauma/abuse recovery, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and early childhood mental health.
What other specific preferences do you have? Think about factors like cultural backgrounds, gender identity, or similar life experiences that may influence your comfort and connection with a counselor. While the exact perfect match of a counselor that meets all of your preferences may or may not be available, you certainly can factor in any unique personal preferences you have as you search for the right counselor for you.

Searching for Options

After you’ve taken some time to clarify what type of counselor would feel most helpful to you, given your current needs and preferences, here are a few steps you can take toward finding options for the right counselor for you at this stage of your life:

To the extent that you’re comfortable asking around, seek out personalized recommendations from friends, colleagues, or trusted professionals (e.g, your healthcare provider) who may be familiar with counseling services in your area. In some local communities, there are Facebook groups (e.g., local parenting groups) where you could even ask anonymously for recommendations. With any personal recommendations you receive, keep in mind that each person’s needs are different, so be sure to seek out more information about any recommendations (e.g., by checking out their counseling practice website) to see if the recommended provider seems like a good fit for you.
Search through online databases and directories to explore providers who are registered on those sites. Make use of database search engine filters to hone in on providers who matched the preferences you identified earlier, such as whether providers offer in-person and/or virtual therapy, their demographic and professional background characteristics, and treatment approaches. Below are links to a few searchable databases for mental health professionals:
- Counselor Find (Hosted by the National Board for Certified Counselors)
- Therapist Locator (Hosted by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy)
- The Therapy Directory (Hosted by Psychology Today)
- Grow Therapy Provider Database
- Zocdoc
Contact your insurance provider, employer's EAP (Employee Assistance Program), or local community agencies for referrals and support in finding a counselor. Contacting local agencies can be especially helpful if you’re seeking out a specialist in a particular treatment concern. For example, I do a lot of work related to domestic violence, and I know that there are a lot of mental health professionals who haven’t received extensive training in how to work with clients impacted by domestic violence and other forms of abuse. I often recommend for someone seeking a counselor who has specialized knowledge and training on this topic to reach out to their local domestic violence agency to find out who the professionals working in that agency knows to be a trusted, well-trained professional in that community.
It also can be helpful to simply do some Googling, especially if you use your preferences as search terms. Basic Internet searching can be helpful when exploring options for counselors, as well as to seek out more information about any counselors you identify as a potential good fit. When searching online, keep in mind that paid advertising and search engine optimization (SEO) skills can impact which providers show up first in the results, so be sure to scroll through several options to explore as many potential counselors as you’d like. Examples of search terms that could be used include the following:
- “Counselor in Greensboro, NC, who specializes in addictions.”
- “Texas therapist offering virtual therapy for anxiety.”
- “Marriage counselor in Chicago for couples facing infertility.”
Reach out to potential providers to ask them questions directly. Some therapists offer free, brief initial consultations, whereas others may offer the option of asking questions via email or a website contact form. Even if you can’t fully assess the fit until you schedule a first intake session, keep in mind that you can change to a different therapist at any time, and counselors ethically should be willing to provide referrals for other options of providers if it turns out that it’s not a good fit.

Conclusion

Overall, finding the right counselor for you right now may take time and persistence, but it's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being and seek out the support you need. Reaching out for help is a courageous step toward growth, healing, and navigating life's challenges. Actually identifying the right support for you can feel confusing and overwhelming at times, but continue to take small steps forward toward seeking and connecting with a counselor with whom you can feel safe, supported, and trusting along your journey.

0 Comments

I ♥️ Therapy: Reflections on the Value of Counseling (From a Counselor Who Has Also Been a Client)

4/22/2024

0 Comments

By Christine Murray

About a month ago, I wrote a blog post here in which I shared my thoughts on the value of online therapy. After writing that post, I got to thinking about the bigger picture and wanted to share some reflections on the value of therapy in general–whether it’s online or in person.

Therapy or counseling (I’ll use those terms interchangeably throughout this post) with a trained mental health professional can be incredibly valuable in navigating life's ups and downs, fostering lifelong personal development, promoting overall well-being, and expanding your self-awareness and growth.

I write these thoughts from the perspective of someone who is both a licensed mental health professional and someone who has sought counseling as a client. Having experience in the client role has provided me with valuable insights into what it's like for clients.

Did you know that some mental health professional training programs actually require graduate students to seek counseling as a client as part of their training? Although that was never a required part of my training experiences (either as a graduate student or a professor), I know that my own experiences as a client have benefited my life and helped me understand the overall value of counseling at a deeper level.

As I reflect on the immense value of therapy in both my professional and personal life, here are five key benefits that highlight its impact on personal growth and well-being.

Promoting Growth and Self-awareness: Therapy offers a valuable opportunity for self-examination and personal growth. Counseling can provide clients with the chance to reflect deeply on their experiences, learn valuable insights from those experiences, and gain a deeper sense of self-awareness. Through the counseling process, clients can identify patterns, gain clarity on their emotions and behaviors, and have support while making positive changes in their lives.
Objective Feedback: A significant advantage of therapy is the objective feedback provided by trained professionals. This feedback complements the support from friends and family members, who may have personal biases or a stake in or opinions about specific situations you’re facing. Therapists can offer a fresh perspective, unbiased insights, and constructive feedback, helping clients gain a more complete understanding of themselves and their challenges.
Safe Space for Exploration and Expression: Counseling can offer a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and ideas freely. This safe space can help you explore sensitive topics, confront difficult emotions, and work through complex issues without the pressures of needing to make immediate decisions. It encourages open dialogue, vulnerability, and emotional healing.
Learning Tools and Techniques: Counselors are equipped with a range of tools, techniques, and interventions tailored to individual needs. These tools can include cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness practices, communication skills, trauma-informed practices, stress management techniques, and more. By learning and applying new tools, clients can enhance their coping strategies, improve their emotional regulation, and develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
Navigating Life's Challenges: Therapy can be especially beneficial if you’re navigating specific life challenges and transitions. Whether it's dealing with relationship issues, managing stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, or adjusting to different seasons in life, counselors can provide guidance, perspective, and support. They can help clients identify and build upon their existing strengths, problem-solving skills, and problem-solving strategies to navigate life's ups and downs effectively.

I’m sure you can tell: I am a huge fan of counseling! As someone who has been in the mental health field for over two decades, it’s truly thrilling to witness the growing acceptance and reduction of stigma associated with seeking counseling in today's world. More and more people are recognizing the value of seeking help from trained mental health professionals, and this positive shift is paving the way for greater well-being and personal growth.

Overall, counseling is a valuable resource that supports growth, healing, and insight. I’ve witnessed its value throughout my career, as well as through my own personal experiences as a counseling client. While counseling certainly is not the only path to personal development, the therapeutic context it provides can be incredibly beneficial in living a fulfilling and aware life.

0 Comments

Why Online Therapy Can Be a Game-Changer for Clients

3/25/2024

0 Comments

By Christine Murray

As I’m in the midst of launching Start Here Counseling and Consulting, PLLC, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted to set up both the counseling and the consulting aspects of the practice. I'll save more thoughts on the consulting side of the practice for other posts, but in this post, I’m sharing why I’m so excited to be focusing exclusively on offering virtual counseling, at least for now.

When I graduated with my Master's degree in 2002, and then my doctoral degree in 2004, never would I have imagined some of the advances that have happened in the counseling field between then and now. Over two decades later, we've seen how technology has had some detrimental effects on people's mental health, especially when they use social media in ways that contribute to anxiety and feeling less-than in comparison to the seemingly-perfect lives of others.

At the same time, new technologies have emerged that have truly revolutionized the delivery of mental health services and helped to break down barriers to access to mental health services in a way that I could never have imagined would be possible back when I was in graduate school and first entering the counseling profession.

I still really believe in the value of in-person counseling. In my own life, I have sought counseling at different points in time, and I've experienced both in-person counseling services as a client, as well as online counseling services.

I know that many clients still prefer and, in some cases, require in-person counseling support. The value of in-person counseling will never go away, because there can be so much value in sitting in the same room with somebody who is right across from and sharing space with you. And, some clients just are not comfortable with seeking counseling virtually.

And so while I am embracing online counseling as my service delivery approach for Start Here Counseling and Consulting, I will never completely abandon my belief in the value of in-person counseling and services.

While I deeply value traditional in-person counseling, there are many potential benefits of online therapy for clients. Here are some compelling reasons why virtual mental health services can be a game-changer for many clients:

Accessibility beyond geographic borders: Online counseling breaks down geographical barriers, allowing clients to access services from counselors who are licensed in their state, but who may not be located nearby. This means clients can find a counselor who uniquely matches their needs, whether it's a specialized treatment focus, approach, or set of credentials. This is especially beneficial for individuals in rural areas or smaller communities where local counseling options may be limited. Having a diverse range of counselors to choose from gives clients an opportunity to find a provider who aligns with their unique needs and preferences.
Convenience and flexibility: The convenience of online therapy is a big draw for clients with busy schedules or logistical challenges. With virtual sessions, clients can skip the commute, waiting rooms, and time constraints often associated with in-person counseling. This flexibility empowers clients to more seamlessly integrate therapy into their lives without disruptions, making it easier to prioritize their mental health in the midst of busy schedule demands.
Comfort in familiar spaces: Online counseling can allow clients to seek mental health services from the comfort and safety of their own home environment, assuming they have a private, secure space to connect to the session from. Being in familiar surroundings can enhance clients’ feelings of safety and security, hopefully leading to a more relaxed and open therapy experience. Clients can even maximize their comfort during sessions, such as by using a cozy blanket or by sipping a comforting cup of tea during the session.
Reduced stigma and increased privacy: Although the stigma surrounding mental health concerns has decreased significantly in recent years, stigma is still a very present factor for many people today. The virtual format of online counseling can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking therapy, as it provides clients with another option for a way to engage in sessions discreetly from the privacy of their own space. This added level of privacy can encourage more individuals to seek the support they need without concerns about judgment or visibility.
Adaptability to changing needs: The flexibility of online therapy makes it adaptable to clients' changing needs and circumstances. Whether clients prefer a mix of in-person and virtual sessions or exclusively opt for online therapy, they may have the flexibility to adjust based on what works best for them at different stages of their journey, depending on the approaches used by their provider.

Overall, online therapy offers many potential benefits that can empower clients to prioritize their mental health on their terms. The value of in-person services will never go away, and the best cast scenario is that clients will continue to have a lot of options for seeking services in ways that are meaningful, accessible, and responsive to their unique needs.

The flexibility, accessibility, and personalized experience of virtual counseling can make it a valuable and impactful option for individuals seeking support and growth. If you're considering virtual counseling services, you’ll find a few additional links below to learn more:

0 Comments

Finding Your Way through the Maze of Counselors: Some Tips for Finding the Right Counselor for You

I ♥️ Therapy: Reflections on the Value of Counseling (From a Counselor Who Has Also Been a Client)

Why Online Therapy Can Be a Game-Changer for Clients

Author

Archives

Categories