So you find yourself feeling at wit’s end with the circumstances in your life. Your relationships are not satisfying, you are feeling overwhelmed with your child’s behavior, or you simply feel stuck. Life should be more. Now, you are on Google looking for a counselor in Fairhope. Maybe you have been in therapy before and want something different this time. Or, you have never been and don’t know what to expect. Here are three tips to keep in mind.

1. Know what you goals you want to accomplish

What do you want to be different? How will you know that the change has occurred or that you have accomplished your goal? Once you have determined what it is you want to work on—you will be in a better place to be able to tell which therapist is most appropriate to help you on your journey.

Find out what the therapist specializes in: what is their passion? Further, where does the therapist invest their time continuing to learn and staying on top of the current research? In addition to that, you can also find out what associations they are members of and the certifications they hold. If your therapist has invested time, energy, and finances into specific areas or treatments they will be excited to assist you in tailoring a specific plan to help you reach your goals. Because, therapy is about YOU.

2. Find out what the therapist believes about therapy

Ask about how the therapist approaches therapy. Do they collaborate with you on the best approach for your issues and goals? Do they see a clear path from where you are now to where you want to be at the end of therapy? Make sure they will check in with you on a regular basis and get your feedback on how you feel the therapy process is going. Therapy is about YOU, and you want to make sure you are investing in a process that will be very worthwhile and fulfilling.

Another way to tell what the therapist thinks about therapy is to find out if the therapist has been in therapy (without getting too personal!). If the therapist has done their own personal work, they will be more equipped to stay focused on you and your treatment. Therapists are human! And the experience or issue that brings you into therapy may overlap or mirror their experience, past or present. So, it is important that the therapist is prepared to be objective and give YOU their full attention. Also, knowing that they have been where you are sitting is comforting and reassuring.

3. Make sure you feel comfortable with them

Verify the logistics such as payment options, location, the level of privacy offered at the location, and scheduling to ensure it is a good fit for you. Your therapeutic relationship with the counselor means a lot! Call and speak with them on the phone. Briefly discuss your issues and goals with them. Does it feel like an intuitive fit? Therapy is about YOU. Taking time to journal what you want from counseling and then finding a therapist you feel comfortable with that specializes in your needs will place you on the path to a better tomorrow.

If you are looking for a counselor, I provide a warm, inviting, and private space conveniently located on Hwy. 181 in Fairhope, AL. Daytime appointments are available, limited evening appointments. If you are looking for a counselor on the Eastern Shore, I would be happy to talk with you and see if we are a good fit for your counseling needs and goals. Contact me here to schedule a consultation.