Managing your emotions and understanding your own thought processes and behaviors isn’t something you can always do on your own—sometimes you need a trained professional to help you manage your mental-emotional health the same way you need professional guidance on your physical health. But even as society’s perception on mental health changes, and stigmas surrounding therapy go away, it can still be difficult to determine what specific type of therapy is the right option for your specific needs. Therapy refers to a broad range of treatment options provided by different types of professionals distinguished by their educational backgrounds and approaches to treatment. A psychologist is a doctor who is trained in clinical psychology and often trained in specific types of therapy.
Because of this, a psychologist can lead you in talk therapy to help you manage and understand your thoughts and behaviors. A psychologist is different from a psychiatrist, a licensed medical doctor who has completed psychiatric training and who can prescribe medication in addition to providing therapy. Somebody who has endured trauma or is dealing with mental health challenges could benefit from working with a psychologist, whereas somebody who needs medication for their mental health disorder—such as somebody with severe depression of bipolar disorder—would be a better fit for a psychiatrist.
A social worker is somebody who, as the name suggests, focuses on the social influences behind mental health, such as domestic abuse. A counselor can evaluate a patient’s mental health and provide guidance in therapeutic techniques often surrounding a specific issue, such as substance use or grief. If you’re looking to start therapy and considering one or more of these types of therapists, it may help to ask questions, such as:
Questions to ask yourself before therapy:
What are my goals for therapy?
What do I want in a therapist?
What practical constraints am I working under?
Many people don’t know what goals they have for therapy in the beginning—they just know they have a problem and they need help fixing it. That’s okay! Your therapist will be able to help you set goals, but having an idea of your needs will help you narrow down the search and find the right type of professional.
You might have preferences about your therapist themselves. For example, some patients feel more comfortable working with a therapist who is of their same gender. They might want somebody who shares their racial or ethnic background. Or they might even prefer somebody who is down-to-earth and friendly versus somebody who is formal and by-the-book.
Finally, although therapy is a priority, you may need to take into consideration your flexibility when it comes to cost and time. If a therapist does not maintain office hours at the times you’re available or does not accept your insurance, that may very well rule out that therapist.
Questions to ask a therapist you’re thinking of working with:
What is your style of therapy?
What type of clients do you work with, and what issues can you address?
How do you handle emergencies?
Every therapist’s approach is going to be unique in big and small ways. Some therapists might be more personable and casual, which could either put you at ease or make you feel more anxious because you prefer a formal clinical environment. Some therapists may specialize in or be more experienced dealing with specific mental health struggles. It’s also good to know how you’ll be able to contact your therapist outside of office hours in the event of an emergency.
Questions to ask yourself during therapy:
Do I feel comfortable speaking to my therapist, and do they answer my questions?
Do I feel comfortable with the goals we have set for my therapy?
Do I feel as if I’m making progress or have the potential to make progress?
It’s important to remember that therapy often isn’t a quick solution to your mental health challenges. It could take years, or it could even be a lifelong experience. But taking stock of your expectations and your feelings about your progress can help you determine whether the work you’re doing with your therapist is the best fit for your needs. In some cases, you may find that you and your therapist are not a good fit for each other, and this is impeding you from making progress. Switching therapists or reevaluating your expectations could be the difference between a negative, unproductive experience with therapy and a positive, successful one.
