If you’ve been experiencing difficulties with your marriage and are looking to find a therapist, it may feel like an overwhelming task. With so many different kinds of therapists and approaches (not to mention regulations imposed by your health insurance provider) it can be difficult to know where to begin. However, it’s important to take the time and work through these suggestions for how to find a therapist, as is the long run, you’ll have a better chance of finding a qualified professional that will be a good fit for you and your family’s mental health needs.
Find a Therapist: Research the Options Available
First, identify the challenges that are present in your relationship (e.g. depression, substance abuse, anger,…etc.) and do a little research to learn more about successful treatment methods such as Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and others to see which might be a good fit. Doing some investigation in advance allows you to focus on finding a licensed therapist trained in your preferred treatment method.
Asking close friends, family, and other healthcare professionals you have a relationship with for referrals is also a good suggestion. Additionally, you will want to contact your health insurance provider to fully understand your mental health coverage benefits, your plan’s fees, and if there are any limitations or types of therapy that are not covered. Having this information in advance can save you money and time later on.
Find a Therapist: Finding the Right Fit
There is nothing wrong with developing a list of therapists and then contacting each one to learn more about their practice and see if you will feel comfortable working with them. Before scheduling a time to talk to a therapist for a consultation, it’s important that you think about what you hope to get out of therapy and why you are embarking on the process. Some questions to ask yourself include the following:
- Why do I want to be in therapy?
- Do I have concerns about being in therapy?
- What are the most important qualities I’m looking for in a therapist?
- What do I want to get out of the therapy process?
- Have I been in therapy before? What was that experience like?
- Will therapy be covered by insurance or out of pocket? What can I afford weekly or monthly?
If you feel that you connect well with a therapist, but find their fee to be outside your price range, be sure to ask if a sliding payment scale is available. Some practices offer reduced fee structures for those patients falling within certain income guidelines. It never hurts to ask!
Find a Therapist: Now the Work begins
As with any relationship, trust takes time but when you find a therapist that’s a good fit for you and your family’s needs, you are already two steps ahead in developing the trust that is needed to undertake the work of therapy. Having a strong, trusting bond with your therapist will help you to make progress in your healing and recovery.
While the desired end result of undergoing therapy is a happier and healthier you, the road to attaining that isn’t always easy or pleasant. Keep in mind that what you experience in therapy often mirrors what is happening in your life outside of therapy. For example, if you are disappointed about the progress you are making in therapy but are hesitant to talk about it to your therapist, you might look at where these behaviors are manifesting in other areas of your life (work, your spouse, your children or parents). Exploring these patterns will provide you with insight and help develop opportunities for healing and improving your life.
There is a great deal of research that shows how the quality of the therapist-patient relationship can be a strong predictor for the level of success reached. Finding the right therapist is a personal choice that does take time and effort but once you establish a relationship with the right professional, you’ll be on the path to healing your relationships with others and yourself.
Additional Information
If you and your spouse reside in Northern Colorado, Larimer County, or the Fort Collins region, and want to explore the variety of family-focused divorce options that are available, do not hesitate to contact Laura Monty Law. We provide collaborative divorce representation, divorce mediation services, legal advising for uncontested divorces, and a full array of divorce and family law services to meet your family’s needs. We strongly believe in taking a compassionate approach to family law, and recognize that every situation is unique.
Look for additional resources on finding a therapist in Northern Colorado on our blog.
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