Finding the right therapist for you is very important. Feel empowered by your choice in therapist, and do not hesitate to meet with more than one in order to find the right choice for you. There are many important things to look for, including how well you and the therapist get along, the cost of therapy and if they accept your method of payment, as well as the therapists availability in comparison to yours.

Feel free to meet with more than one therapist in order to identify the right one for you. Prepare a list of questions that you may have for each therapist and do not hesitate to ask them. If a therapist is uncomfortable answering your questions then they may not be the right one for you.

YWhen you decide on the therapist for you, be prepared for the intake process. This can be lengthy and tedious. There will be intake paperwork that the therapist must review with you, such as for their credentials, cost of services, and developing a treatment plan. There will also be history information that the therapist will need, that you may be required to do in the office or allowed to complete at home. The therapist may want to review this information with you, as well. Be as honest as you can be on these forms, as they are the foundation for the start of your treatment. It is okay if you are not ready to process something, but still add it to the forms and just let the therapist know you are not ready. Your chosen therapist should respect this.

Throughout therapy you should experience positive changes in your life and progress towards your goals. You and your therapist should maintain a positive therapeutic relationship. If you feel like these things are not happening, please discuss this with your therapist. You should have regular updates to your treatment plan, as well, to identify goals you have achieved and those you need to continue to work on. Do not hesitate to ask the therapist questions and express your concerns. During therapy, you should have more positive experiences than negative ones. However, it is common to be triggered and have struggles as well. This is part of the individual growth process. Keep in mind that this should not be the majority of your therapy, however, and if you are struggling and triggered most of the time please discuss this with your therapist further.

Therapy can be terminated for various reasons. This should have been discussed during your intake process. Termination reasons include the completion of the therapeutic process, lack of progress with a referral to another therapist, lack of working your treatment plan, poor therapeutic relationship, lack of payment, violence on the part of the client, and more. Therapy should not be terminated due to discrimination and without a referral to another therapist.