5 Tips for Choosing a Therapist in Colorado
Choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting task. If you're in Colorado, there are many options available to you, including in-person therapy, online therapy, or a hybrid of both. Whichever option you choose, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you and your needs is key. Here are five tips to help you find the right therapist for you:
Consider your goals and needs
Before beginning your search, take some time to reflect on your goals for therapy. What do you hope to achieve? What’s in your way? Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, OCD, stress, or difficulty in relationships? Are you navigating a life transition like a move, career change, or a family shift? Knowing your goals- yes, even writing them out- can help you identify the therapist you're looking for and communicate with them.
2. Check credentials and experience
When searching for a therapist in Colorado, it will serve you well to consider their credentials and experience.
Make sure the therapist you're considering is licensed in the state of Colorado and has experience working with people who have similar needs or background to your own. If you're interested in a particular type of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focussed therapy, or spiritual-based therapy, look for these on their website and their listings. Keep in mind that many therapist list issues they treat, but they may not specialize or have specialized training in using evidence-based methods for treating those issues. You have the right to ask. You might write or say something like, “Do you have any specific training in treating OCD?” When I’m seeking a therapist, I want someone who says something like, “Yes, I trained at such-n-such place with so-n-so person and learned such-n-such method. I would approach this issue by doing xyz.” Then I know they take this thing seriously. Seriously.
3. Consider their approach and values
Therapists in Colorado have a wide range of approaches and values when it comes to treatment. Some may focus on symptom relief, while others prioritize deeper exploration of underlying issues. Some may incorporate alternative practices, such as meditation, the arts, or yoga into their sessions. Consider what approach and values resonate with you and look for a therapist who aligns with you in these ways.
Don’t know your preferences? That’s real. Let your potential therapist know this, and then hear what they say. Their response will tell you a lot about who they are as a clinician and who they are as a person.
4. Find someone you feel comfortable with
Therapy is a personal and intimate experience, so it's vital to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. I don’t mean like—you want to be their friend. I mean like—you feel like you are willing to trust them. Trust your instincts when it comes to finding someone who feels like a good fit. Whether you prefer in-person therapy or online therapy, finding a therapist who creates a safe and supportive environment is essential.
(A quick word about “safety.” Safety doesn’t mean without challenge or difficulty. Safety means an environment where you feel you can be vulnerable and the other person has your back and won’t leave you hanging.)
5. Ask questions
It can be intimidating to ask questions about a therapist’s practice, style, and qualifications. After all, they’re the “expert.” Well,… you are the expert in your own life. So go ahead—be afraid—but do it anyway. Asking questions will help you feel more informed and confident in your decision. It also starts you off in an active role. Therapy doesn’t work if you’re not active. It’s not something that can be done to you; it can only be done with you. Start off your therapeutic relationship by letting your therapist know that you are invested in the work.
Here are some examples of things you may wish to ask about: their experience, training, and approach to treatment; practical matters such as fees, late policies, and insurance coverage; their favorite types of issues to help people with; maybe even why they got into this work.
On a final note. Remember that you are not stuck with any therapist you try out. You can walk away at any time and for any reason. Keeping that in mind can take some of the stress of the searching process.
Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and I’m here to help. By keeping these five tips in mind, you can find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and start prioritizing your mental health today. So please, ask me some questions!
At Denmark Family Therapy, we offer in-person therapy at our Denver office, as well as online therapy for clients throughout Colorado. We specialize in a range of treatment modalities, including acceptance and commitment therapy, emotionally focussed therapy, and trauma-focused therapy. We prioritize creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space for our clients to explore their concerns and achieve their goals.
