How to choose the right mental health therapist
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As we have come to a deeper understanding of the relationship between mental well-being and physical health, people are increasingly beginning to consider incorporating mental health therapy into their existing health and wellness regimen. For others, mental health therapy has always been an essential component of their wellness.
Whether you are looking to enhance your health and wellness, have received a new mental health diagnosis, or are simply curious about how mental health therapy can help you, the first question individuals ask when beginning their mental health journey is:
How do I choose a mental health therapist?
To help simplify the process, we’ve outlined a few key steps to guide you toward finding the therapist who best fits your needs.
First: Identify your “Why”
A helpful first step is to identify your reason for seeking therapy. Whether it is to support a new mental health diagnosis, cope with stress or burnout, process trauma, or self-exploration, knowing your “why” can help guide you toward a therapist whose experience aligns with your needs.
It is also completely okay to not know exactly why you are seeking therapy. Many people enter therapy simply because they know something is not feeling right for them, or because they want a space where they can talk through their thoughts and feelings. Over time, your “why” may become clear through the therapeutic process.
Second: Explore different types of therapists
In Alberta, there are different types of mental health professionals who can provide therapy, each with varying training and scopes of practice. These include Registered Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Counsellors, and others. Insurance coverage can sometimes vary, so knowing which providers are covered under your insurance plan will help narrow your options.
You may also have personal preferences to consider, such as the therapist’s education level, specialized training, or lived experience, as well as their age, gender, political beliefs, religious/spiritual beliefs, and membership in or allyship with a minority group.
Third: Acronym soup: But what kind of therapy do I need?
Once you have identified your “why” and clarified your personal preferences, another factor to consider may be the type of therapy a therapist offers. It is important to note that there are hundreds of psychotherapeutic modalities out there, each with its own unique nuances and techniques, many of which can be used to address similar concerns.
Here are a few common therapeutic modalities that you are likely to see in a therapist’s profile:
ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
Focuses on accepting the difficulty or hardship of life while using mindfulness and behavioural action to create a meaningful life.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, substance use, chronic pain, chronic illness, and stress.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and learning new skills to achieve goals.
Helpful for anxiety, ADHD, depression, panic disorders, substance use, eating disorders, stress, relationship issues, anger, and insomnia.
DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy)
Focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal/relationship skills, and emotional regulation.
Helpful for personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, self-harm, suicidality, eating disorders, substance use, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Focuses on reducing distressing thoughts, feelings, or body sensations associated with unprocessed, adverse, or traumatic memories.
Helpful for trauma and other distressing or adverse experiences, anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Humanistic/Existential
Focuses on personal growth, self-actualization, and self-exploration.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance use, and interpersonal/familial relationship issues.
IFS (Internal Family Systems)
Focuses on the different parts of the self and supports the development of an individual’s innate sense of Self.
Helpful for trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, panic, substance use, and physical health conditions.
Psychodynamic
Focuses on how past experiences and relationships shape current emotions, behaviour, and relationship difficulties.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, panic disorders, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship difficulties.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Focuses on the solution to a presenting problem using an individual’s strengths and resources, with a focus on the future and an identified goal.
Helpful for anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, motivation, and relationship conflicts.
Fourth: The therapeutic relationship (AKA: “The Right Fit”)
The most important piece of the puzzle, arguably, comes down to the concept of “the right fit.” Research shows that beyond the therapist’s education, qualifications, training, or specific therapeutic modality, the most important factor for a client to engage in meaningful work and make change is the therapeutic relationship.
Finding the right fit means that you feel safe enough and secure enough in the therapeutic relationship to do the hard work. There will be a sense of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration with your therapist. That is not to say your therapist won’t challenge you, gently confront you, or hold you accountable, but they will do so in a way that is empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental. If your therapist makes a mistake or misses the mark, they will make a repair.
It might take a few tries with different therapists before you find the right fit. But don’t get discouraged! There is a therapist out there for you. This is why discovery calls or initial consults can be so helpful — they provide you with the opportunity to speak with the therapist directly to get a sense of who they are and how they may be able to help you.
Fifth: When it’s all too overwhelming to choose, Client Care is here to help
If you are still feeling lost in the therapist weeds after reading this, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
At Park Integrative Health, our Client Care Program is designed to help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence. Through a complimentary 45-minute Client Care Consultation, you can speak with one of our experienced Client Care Consultants about your mental health concerns and receive personalized recommendations for a therapist who best fits your needs and goals.
Finding the right support can make all the difference.