Choosing the right mental health therapist is crucial for getting a good result in therapy. Research shows that the bond between therapist and client plays a major role in the outcome of therapy. Our therapists in Denver work hard to ensure a strong relationship is created with their clients. But that may still have you wondering, “is therapy even important?”
Why is Therapy Important?
Therapy is important for a multitude of reasons, primarily because it provides individuals with a safe and supportive space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It offers an opportunity for self-discovery, allowing individuals to gain insight into their emotions, behaviors, and patterns of thinking. Through therapy, people can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their life circumstances, which can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. So, if therapy is so important, how do you pick the right therapist?
How to Pick the Right Therapist in Denver, CO
Living in Denver can be an awesome experience! The mountains and the sunny days and the fun activities out there makes it seem like the perfect place to live. But that doesn’t mean that people aren’t still struggling with personal issues or just overall striving for personal growth. If that describes you then here are tips on how to pick the right therapist in Denver for you:
1. Avoid Common Mistakes
Do not choose a therapist based on logistics alone ( location, parking or insurance directories). With telehealth, you have access to many more therapist options. It is important to find a therapist who is a fit for your unique needs. A mismatched therapist can lead to a therapist who is not qualified to treat your condition or doesn’t use a therapy modality that works for you. Avoid telehealth platforms that are patient mills. If nobody is screening for your unique needs, you may not get a good match. We will match you with a good therapist. Our intake team is experienced at curating matches based on criteria that make good outcomes in therapy more likely.
2. Identify your needs
Consider what you hope to achieve through therapy. Are you seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship issues? Are you seeking treatment for a medical condition? Are you unpacking a major life decision? Do you need skills or coaching?
3. Therapists are specialized
Therapists often have different levels of knowledge or expertise on various mental health topics. Therapists gain training through ongoing courses ( we take 36 hours of courses every 2 years), through work experience and occasionally certification programs and additional supervision. Many therapists choose a niche and focus their ongoing development into specific areas. Not all therapists can treat any condition.
4. There are many different types of therapy
These are often called “therapy modalities.” The experience of therapy can be very different among these different approaches to therapy. Some popular therapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and EMDR for trauma.
Some therapy styles are structured and skills based. You may be assigned homework or practice new skills. Some therapy modalities are technical like EMDR, which aims to treat the neurological underpinnings of a trauma. Other therapy modalities examine your history, personality development and do a deep dive on your historical wounds. Some therapy styles are “client centered,” which means that the client does most of the talking and takes the lead on the conversation each session. The idea here is that the client knows best what is most pressing and urgent to discuss. Other therapists will take the lead and keep you focused on improving symptoms. Our team is happy to explain these approaches to see which one aligns best with your needs and preferences.
5. There is not much difference between masters and doctoral level therapists when it comes to therapy
Not for the purpose of psychotherapy. Doctoral level therapists can additionally do research, construct research studies and administer diagnostic tests and reports. When it comes to therapy, masters level therapists are equally qualified.
6. Consider the personality of your therapist
Therapists are human too—and have very different personalities. Some are funny, some are intellectual, some are spiritual, some are creative. These elements are brought into the room.
Once you are matched with a therapist, consider how you feel in the room. Can you be vulnerable with this person? Can you cry or share your life story?
Trust your instincts: Pay attention to how you feel during your interactions with the therapist. Do you feel comfortable, understood, and respected? Trust your gut instincts when deciding if they’re the right therapist for you.
These questions will help identify which therapy style is right for you. These choices are not necessarily binary, but knowing which way you learn is helpful.
- Do you prefer structured or unstructured therapy?
- Do you prefer a focus on the present or past?
- Do you prefer to take the lead? Or do you prefer the therapist to take the lead?
- Does it matter if your therapist is a master’s level of phd level therapist?
- Would you prefer an eclectic approach? ( a therapist who is skilled in many different therapy styles and weaves them together as needed)
- What is a good personality match for you?
7. Good therapists ask for your feedback
Your voice matters in therapy. Occasionally, therapists will focus on the wrong topic or misunderstand you. Sometimes both of you will feel stuck. This is all normal–but if it is a chronic situation, you may need a rematch. A good therapist will check in to make sure that you are in alignment. Some therapists check in casually and some do it formally with a survey. This is called Feedback Informed Care and it is part of high quality care.
8. Does your therapist provide evidence-based care?
Evidence-based care means that the therapy techniques they are using are supported by research. There is a lot of science behind mental health treatment. There are also techniques that are less researched but widely accepted by the field as impactful. And, there is also a lot of hype out there. Ask your therapist to describe her therapy approach and how it works. After the first session, you should walk away with a good sense of what therapy will look like for you.
9. Does the therapy group offer a diverse range of therapists?
A good mental health group hires providers from diverse cultural backgrounds. You should be able to ask for a therapist who understands your culture, or at least inquires about your culture and how it impacts who you are and what you are experiencing.
Is Therapy Worth It?
We understand that finding the right therapist can be a big task to have to handle. It may make you ask yourself, “is therapy worth it?” For many people, therapy can be incredibly valuable and transformative. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often leading to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and improved mental health. It offers the opportunity to address and work through challenges, whether they are related to mental health issues, relationships, trauma, stress, or other life difficulties.
Therapists in Denver, CO - Silver Lake Psychology
At Silver Lake psychology we care about the right fit for our clients. Our intake team will check on you after your first session. If you do not feel comfortable for any reason, we will re-match you with a different therapist. Remember that finding the right therapist may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it to find someone who can provide the support and guidance you need on your mental health journey. Click here to start your journey, today.
