Unfortunately, mental health needs are often overlooked or may be greeted with discomfort due to the wide variety of stigma associated with seeking therapy. Perhaps it feels like something that is out of reach financially, or maybe finding a therapist feels overwhelming. However, research shows that having a mental health problem is more common than many people think, which suggests that perhaps the majority of us can benefit from counseling at one point or another.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), (2021):
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. have a mental illness
- Over 400,000 adults in Mississippi alone have a mental health condition
- 27,000 children (ages 12-17) in Mississippi have depression
- Roughly half of the population in the U.S. does not receive mental health treatment
Despite negative attitudes toward therapy, there is absolutely nothing wrong with moving forward to find a therapist and begin your journey toward mental wellness.
The predominant theme between clients I have spoken with as they enter a counseling relationship is whether or not they will find a therapist who can provide a positive experience. Some may wonder whether their needs will be met or if their therapist will understand and empathize with their problems. It can be intimidating to begin therapy or start again after a less-than-great experience.
Top 10 questions to ask your potential therapist!
Having questions prepared before meeting with a new therapist may help you to feel more confident and in control. The following questions cover everything from finances to specific therapeutic beliefs and practices, all of which can help you be better informed to make a decision about scheduling an appointment with a therapist:
- What kind of payments do you accept? What are your rates?
- What cancellation policy do you have in place?
- What therapeutic approach do you use?
*If you have further questions about their modality, continue asking for clarification. This approach helps determine how they will create your treatment plan and influence the flow of sessions, expectations for your involvement outside of the office, and other aspects of your treatment.
- Do you have a religious background or spiritual belief? Will it impact my sessions?
- How long will I need to go to therapy?
- What is your experience?
- Do you have any special certifications?
- Do you offer telehealth or in-person only?
- What does a typical session look like?
- How will I know that I am making progress?
Remember, you’re hiring someone to help you obtain your goals! You want to make sure they’re going to be the best fit for you and your needs,
What does a counselor do?
Licensed counselors have a multifaceted job that includes everything from creating a treatment plan, providing insightful and well-researched care to their clients, being empathetic listeners, and working to equip their clients to achieve designated goals. Counselors spend years learning about the ways mental health impacts individuals and become prepared to work with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and so many other disorders.
What I have found to be more important than a diagnosis-based approach is learning how to care for an individual without strings attached. I have learned that every person needs to be offered a place to feel heard and validated in their experience. A counseling relationship is one of the only relationships you will likely find that has unconditional positive regard toward whoever is seeking help. The specific ways in which a counselor will approach your goals will differ, yet the result is client growth.
What does that mean? It means that you can approach therapy with a sense of safety, knowing that your mistakes aren’t what matters most to us. We want to join you on a journey to meet your goals. Not ours. Sure, we can help you figure out those goals. And we will teach you skills to meet them. But, more importantly, we’ll provide you the space to find those things for yourself.
How will we approach your problems?
Here at Relationship Couch Counseling, we’re therapists who are prepared to assist with various needs. Some of the areas that we are proud to be experts in include:
- Marriage Counseling
- Women’s Issues
- Adolescents
- Anxiety
- Group Therapy
- Grief
Relationship Couch Counseling has someone with the experience and passion to come alongside you, whatever your needs may be. Each therapist here is unique in their approach to sessions, bringing an authentic, evidence-based presence to your time together. As a group, we attempt to grow our understanding of attachment-based therapy and emotion-focused therapy tools so that we can have a unified approach throughout the practice. For you, this means no matter which therapist you resonate with, we will be able to provide a well-informed and evidence-based approach that meets your needs.
Schedule a phone call to ask questions you might have and to get to know your potential counselor. Set an appointment time here.
Emily D. Hendricks, P-LPC, NCC