Topic: counseling-fundamentals

Question: How does someone approach a counselor?
How does a person start the counseling process?

Answer (from Dr. Meredyth LawrynceServing Clients Nationwide):
You can interview counselors you may be interested in working with and gauge how experienced they are in possibly supporting your needs.  Ask questions (you can google questions to ask a new therapist),  and have an idea of what would lead you to feel safe working with this person.

Answer (from Ashley "Ashton" BernalRenewed Hope Counseling):
The therapeutic relationship is such an important aspect of the process toward healing. Feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable is a good starting place. Understanding your own goals for therapy, outcomes you hope to get from it, and the approach you need from your therapist. Each therapist is unique and have their individual styles and theoretical orientations they align with. Open and honest communication regarding what you are hoping to get out of therapy and asking questions from the start of therapist to better understand if their theoretical approach will be helpful to you is a good starting place. Knowing and trusting yourself that if it is not a good fit that it is okay to seek therapy from another provider.

Answer (from Elena Engle, LMHC, EMDRVery Good Counseling):
The first thing is to see if they have a consultation. Many therapists offer this to make sure both parties feel like it’s a good fit before they invest time/money. If they have a website look over there blog, and other content on there page. If you are coming to counseling for a particular interest then having some questions prepared about there expertise with (whatever you looking for).

Answer (from Jason Lynch, MS, LMHC, LCAC, ADSIndividual & Couples Therapy):
The first step in beginning the counseling process is to do some homework. I recommend that clients make some quick notes about what they believe are the core issues negatively impacting their functioning, the qualities they are looking for in a therapist, and what are some goals that you have for therapy. Next, go to one of the many directory sites like CounselChat or PsychologyToday.com. These sites allow you to search for therapists in your area and to select a number of different criteria that can assist in narrowing your search. Once you have a list of therapists, start calling their offices and/or visiting their websites. Many of us offer brief consultation calls at no cost. This is a great way to share the issues you identified with the therapist and to ask them any questions you might have.

Answer (from Dr Traci KochendorferTime for you to " Claim IT" with over 15 years in health and wellness, Ph.D Psy.D D.D. F.P.L.C. recognized on TV and Magazines,):
BRAVO you just did my good fello or fella

Answer (from Fred RogersQue Sera Sera Counseling ):
Counseling is voluntary. If one feels there is a need to talk, its at that time, they approach counselor.

Answer (from Michele RameyMRTherapy, LLC- Because Help Is One Of A Kind):
You can call, email or contact them through their website. Or if you know the location, walk in and ask for them to contact you and leave your contact information. Hopefully this helps!

Answer (from Lisa Provorny):
First off, I want to tell you how proud I am of you for starting out in the process. It takes a lot of courage to seek out a therapist, and perseverance to wade through all the logistics of the process. Just like finding a good doctor or dentist, finding a therapist who is a good fit for you may take some time, the difference being that you are likely to visit your doctor or dentist only a couple of times a year or in an emergency. Your therapist is someone you will be spending time with on a weekly or bi-weekly basis who you are going to be sharing a lot of yourself with, so it is important to feel comfortable with that therapist, even if sharing and reflecting is uncomfortable. There are several places where a therapist may be searchable, such as insurance directories, websites, or just a search engine, so the first step is to see if they treat the kind of challenges you are dealing with or not. If they don't list it as one of their skillsets, they may not be able to support you, and it may be unethical for them to work with you. Fear not! that therapist may be able to provide you with the name(s) of other providers who do specialize in your needs. You can also try to filter through listings to see who focuses on your area of needs, and then see how they talk about their therapeutic process. Do they position themselves as an expert and you a problem to be fixed? Is that what you want? Do you they talk about collaborating with you to identify problems and come up with solutions? Does that sound appealing to you? There are a lot of different tools and techniques that therapists can rely upon, but therapy at its foundation is about the relationship, so if reading about them doesn't give you a good feeling, move on to the next profile.Once you have a few names that seem like a good fit, reach out and see if they will meet with you briefly for a consultation. These are usually free and give you an opportunity to see what it is like to interact with them, how they answer questions, and if their answers resonate with you. You may find that it is awkward and that you are not at ease in the brief exchange, but you may find that the rapport is already being established. If none of the therapists you meet with work out, or if you start meeting with a therapist and it doesn't feel right, you can stop seeing them, ask for a referral, or start your search over again. This process is about you and your needs, not about pleasing the therapist so don't feel obligated to continue if it isn't working out.

Answer (from Ian Palombo#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler):
There are a number of online directories that can help a person get started with counseling. You can use them to search therapists in your area, by areas of specialization, and insurance. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones: www.psychologytoday.comwww.TherapyDen.comwww.onlinecounseling.comYou can also do a google search for "therapist near me" or "counselor near me." Lastly, all major insurance companies have directories online of all the therapists they contract with.

Answer (from Dr. Timothy Paul'man'; Online - "Natural Health Consultant and Coach"):
Honestly, don't :(Talk with your close friends, first (y'know, the ones you actually can tell sh*t to, not the more surface level ones, god-bless-their-souls...Be with your family; should you have a fine relationship with them, tell them and utilize them; they gave you life and that bond (especially between a mother and son) is unbreakable.Go with your faith; as often as various faiths have been blasted and lambasted around the world, understand that they're ultimately trying to get you closer to God :) And, ain't that a big thing.Go with those around you FIRST that actually MIGHT GIVE A CR*P about you, FIRST, before going to a total stranger you've never met before, that is just as damaged, stupid, and imperfect as we all are.