Therapy FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about therapy, and what to expect when you’re new to this!

Q: Where do I even start?

A: Firstly, you may reflect on what has brought you to consider going to therapy. What problems, challenges, or negative experiences have you struggled with recently? Have you experienced trauma or loss? What is keeping you stuck? What are your goals for improving your life? Maybe you have goals, but you’re not quite sure how to reach them. And, have you been diagnosed with any specific mental health conditions? Are there any symptoms that are getting in the way of living your best life?

From there, you might look into the different types of therapy that are available. If you have a diagnosis, you may learn about what types of treatment are recommended for that diagnosis. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common treatment approach for mood disorders like depression and anxiety, exposure and response prevention (ERP) is highly effective for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed for borderline personality disorder (BPD).

You may also consider your preferences for your therapist. What type of therapist might you feel most comfortable with? Consider demographics like gender, age, race/ethnicity, religion, and language preference, if these are important factors to you. Some people enjoy working with a therapist who has things in common with them, while others prefer connecting with someone who has a different perspective. You may also consider things like personality traits or communication styles you would like your therapist to have. Another factor is whether you want a therapist trained in a certain type of therapy or specializing in a condition or experience that you have. Ultimately, every therapist is different, and finding a good fit is an important part of the effectiveness of therapy.

To address the logistics of seeking therapy, look into what your insurance policy covers for mental or behavioral health treatment, and consider your personal financial situation, especially if you don’t have insurance. Finances can be a very real and understandable obstacle to seeking therapy (especially in this economy!)- however, taking care of yourself and improving your quality of life can absolutely be worth the investment. Consider whether you would prefer to meet for therapy in-person, virtually through telehealth, or a mix of both. Lastly, consider your availability to meet for therapy around your schedule, and how much time you are willing to commit to therapy- whether that is weekly sessions, or time spent outside of the room on things like homework or journaling.

To find a therapist, you have options. You can search online via a search engine, seek a list of in-network providers from your insurance company, look up therapists in your local area, or request a referral from your primary care doctor or medication provider. Websites like http://www.psychologytoday.com have a database where you can search for therapists, medication providers, and even support groups, and include filters for insurance, demographic preferences, specialties, and insurance.

With all these things considered, you are prepared to start your journey!