How Do I Find The Right Therapist?
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When you are in a long term residential treatment program, you tend to work with the same therapist throughout the entire process. Switching therapists with each phase of treatment can be stressful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, many treatment centers have contracts with their therapists which state that a therapist cannot see their treatment patient outside of the treatment program for at least a year after. Other treatment centers encourage an ongoing relationship so there are no disruptions. It’s possible you cannot continue seeing your treatment therapist, or perhaps you do not want to. Fresh out of treatment, even after many months of it, you are still in need of therapy and shouldn’t wait a long period of time.
Most often, you will have looked for a therapist, done some phone interviews, and made appointments before you leave treatment. You will work with a discharge team to create a smooth transition from being under the guidance of your treatment center to being more independent. Transitioning through lower levels of care is beneficial because it helps you become more comfortable with change and gaining your independence in a way that isn’t overwhelming. After you graduate, it is up to you to stay accountable, go to your appointments and choose the therapist that works for you.
Choosing a therapist that works for you is the most important part of choosing a therapist. Everything else about the therapist could be great. You want to make sure there is an alignment in:
- Pricing
- Payment plans
- Coverage by insurance
- Qualifications
- Specializations
- Recommendations
You also want to make sure that you feel comfortable with your therapist. Ultimately, that is what matters most- is whether or not you feel comfortable openly and honestly talking with your therapist. Once or maybe twice a week you are going to be letting your therapist into your past and your present, inviting them to help you explore your own mind. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after a few sessions, that’s okay. It does not mean you aren’t supposed to do therapy. It just means you aren’t supposed to do therapy with that therapist. You are totally allowed to tell the therapist that and ask them to help you find someone who might be a better fit.
Design For Change is a residential treatment center offering a full continuum of care so you can customize a long term treatment plan which helps you succeed. Changing lives one step at a time, our innovative programs give clients the best of clinical care empowered by the life changing 12 step philosophy. For information, call us today: (877) 267-3646
