Finding an Effective Therapist Part II
In Part I of Finding an Effective Therapist, I stated that finding a new therapist for myself just isn’t high priority right now. Well, I’ve since changed my mind. I am struggling with some anxiety, and, rather than waiting until my anxiety gets out of hand, I think that I could benefit from therapeutic services now.
My former therapist, whom I saw while I was in graduate school, has been the most effective therapist I have had thus far. I decided to do a little digging online, and I came across her profile on Psychology Today. I also learned that she now has a private practice. Anyway, I reached out to her via email to thank her for all she did for me, to briefly update her on my life, and to ask if she might have any suggestions for finding a therapist where I am. Here’s what she suggested:
- Psychology Today. She described it as a dating site for therapists. On psychologytoday.com, you can search for therapists with a number of search criteria. She told me to focus on location and therapists who specialize in the issue I am struggling with, whether that’s anxiety and/or bipolar I disorder. I did so and came across a number of profiles.
- Therapy for Black Girls. It’s a blog and podcast, but there is also a therapist search on the site. You can select whether you want to see your therapist-to-be in office or virtually, enter your location, and BOOM – there’s your list of therapists.
I read up on their profiles and am in the process of creating a list of therapists to contact next week to inquire about a consultation. I am looking forward to this process and finding the right fit for my needs. Stay tuned for Finding an Effective Therapist Part III, which will focus on how to narrow the list.
Signed,
Lai
