Here is a recap of Finding a Therapist Tips that were discussed in the SOBER POP Tips Room on the Clubhouse App. For many people in recovery, especially early recovery, the idea of finding a therapist can be overwhelming and daunting. How do you navigate finding the right person for you?
Here are 8 Tips we discussed as a way to navigate the world of therapy, which can be very beneficial to those in recovery. This was a very popular discussion and even after the full hour of time in the club, we didn’t get through all of our questions. Fear not! We will be circling back on this topic again in July. (Details to come)
8 Useful Tips on Finding a Therapist That’s Right for You!
1.) Consult your provider directory or ask someone you trust for a referral. While a referral is a great place to start, it’s important to recognize that you may have different needs than the person giving you the referral.
2.) It’s important to feel a connection with a new therapist. It’s ok to ask yourself “Do I feel comfortable?” Trust your gut. Not everyone will be a right fit and many therapists will offer a short (and sometimes free) consultation to establish care, explain the services they offer, and let you ask any questions you might have. Pay close attention to your own responses.
3.) When it comes to asking questions, especially for those in recovery, one very important question to ask a potential therapist is “What does the healing process look like to you?” Listen carefully to how they answer and make sure it aligns with your personal growth goals. You may also want to ask more general questions about license, area of expertise, insurance, and payment options.
4.) History has shown us that in-person appointments with a therapist maximize the experience. That said, the last year has shown us that these sessions can also be accomplished successfully over Zoom. As the world starts to open back up, find what works best for you and your schedule.
Your Mental Health Matters
5.) If you are trying to decide between a licensed therapist and a life coach or recovery coach, make sure you understand the differences between the two. Licensed therapists are regulated and follow a certain set of guidelines established with the type of license they practice under. Life/recovery coaches may have lots of training and personal experience, but they do not answer to any entity in the same way a licensed therapist does. It’s ok to have both and use them for different mental health and self-care needs.
6.) It’s important to work with a therapist who is specialized in the areas you are seeking treatment and support around. You wouldn’t go to a dentist for a sprained ankle, right?
7.) Therapists are there to listen, not to give advice. Think of them as tour guides helping you get to the destination you are seeking. They may make suggestions and probe you with good questions to assist you in honest self-reflection. Ultimately, the choices on how you deal with individual issues are still yours to make.
8.) Think about your goals ahead of time. Then, establish a treatment plan with your therapist that has specific goals and objectives upfront, but understand that the plan needs to be fluid. Digging into our pasts can many times bring up unexpected emotions.
Remember that choosing a therapist is a very personal matter. There is no such thing as the perfect therapist. It’s important that you feel a sense of trust and that whomever you choose to work with can help you achieve the goals you are seeking to achieve.
You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both, and there you have THE FACTS OF (AF) LIFE. So you’re sober, now what? Well, you’re in the right spot. This is the place to be for all things AF (alcohol-free) living. Remember we’re sober, not boring!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
