Are you going to start therapy anytime soon? First of all, congratulations on taking this brave step; you’re halfway there to your happy, healthy future self. But with so many therapy styles and specialties out there, how do you find the one? Let’s break it down so you can find a therapist who’s the perfect fit for your needs!
How To Find A Therapist – Key Factors To Consider
Your ideal therapist needs to fit your needs, personality, and long-term goals. Before booking that first session, here are some key factors to consider to ensure you’re making the best choice:
1. Credentials And Licensure
Your therapist will know all of your good stuff and bad stuff, so before spilling your life journey, you need to make sure your therapist is the real deal. Licensed therapists have undergone rigorous training and are certified by professional boards. So make sure you’re working with a professional who is certified to perform therapy and not just a self-proclaimed mental health activist.
2. Therapy Approach And Techniques
Not all therapy is just talking, and different therapists use different methods to help you achieve your goals! Some focus on deep emotional processing (Psychodynamic Therapy), while others take a structured, goal-based approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). You need to understand these methods to find a therapist whose approach works for you.
3. Experience And Specialization
Would you trust a foot doctor to do heart surgery? Probably not! The same applies to therapy. If you’re dealing with childhood trauma, a Trauma-Informed Therapist may be the best fit. Struggling in your marriage? A Couples and Family Therapist might be your person. The more specific your therapist’s expertise, the better the results.
4. Personal Comfort And Communication Style
Therapy is a two-way street. You need a therapist you feel comfortable with. One who listens, understands, and makes you feel safe. Consider factors like their communication style, cultural competence, and whether you prefer a male or female therapist.
5. Availability And Accessibility
What’s the point of finding the perfect therapist if you can never get an appointment? Consider logistics like location, virtual vs. in-person sessions, and costs. If affordability is a concern, check for sliding-scale options or insurance coverage.
How Different Specialties Can Impact Treatment Outcomes
Therapists aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, different specialists can help you navigate life’s challenges in unique ways. At Grigore Counselling, we aim to connect you with the best therapists who can actually help you live your life better, so we have given some recommendations that might be helpful. Here’s a look at some key therapy types and who they’re best suited for:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT Therapist)
CBT is ideal for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. This therapy type helps you rewire negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It’s structured, goal-oriented, and incredibly effective.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
- Dr. Sogol Shams (PhD, RCC)
- Jessica Klair (RTC)
2. EMDR Therapist
For those battling trauma and distressing memories, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a game-changer. It uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess painful experiences, making them less overwhelming.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who are trained in EMDR and EMDR 2.0, helping clients process trauma and distressing memories.
- Robert Grigore (MCP, RCC)
- Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
- Simone Olinek (MACP, RP, CCC)
3. Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT Therapist)
DBT is especially helpful for people with intense emotions, borderline personality disorder, or self-destructive behaviours. Techniques focus on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
- Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
4. Trauma-Informed Therapist
Trauma isn’t just in the past, but it also affects how we function today. Trauma-informed therapists use specialized techniques like IFS (Internal Family Systems), Hypnotherapy, and TIYOGA (Trauma-Informed Yoga) to promote deep healing.
Specialists Who Can Help:
All therapists at Grigore Counselling are trauma-informed, but specific specializations vary:
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW) – Provides clinical hypnotherapy and TIYOGA
- Jennifer Benson (Registered Psychologist) – Offers TIYOGA
5. Solution-Focused Brief Therapist (SFBT Therapist)
Hate long therapy sessions that feel like they’re going nowhere? SFBT is short, practical, and laser-focused on solutions rather than diving deep into past problems. Perfect for tackling anxiety, trauma, or personal growth.
Specialists Who Can Help:
This specialist from Grigore Counselling practices Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide short-term, goal-oriented support for personal challenges.
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
6. Couples And Family Therapists
Relationships are tough! If you and your partner or family need guidance, a Couples and Family Therapist can help. They use proven methods like Gottman’s Method, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR to strengthen bonds and improve communication.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in couple and family therapy:
- Robert Grigore (MCP, RCC)
7. Child And Youth Therapist
Growing up comes with its own set of challenges. Through personalized therapy, Child and Youth Therapists empower children and teens to develop healthy coping strategies for life’s challenges.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in trauma-informed therapy for children and teenagers, helping them navigate anxiety, emotional regulation, and trauma recovery.
- Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
- Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
- Dr. Sogol Shams (PhD, RCC)
8. Clinical Psychologist
For serious mental health conditions, a Clinical Psychologist offers diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plans. They work with various disorders, including depression, PTSD, and personality disorders.
Specialists Who Can Help:
Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based therapies tailored to individual client needs.
- Jennifer Benson (Registered Psychologist)
Conclusion
How to find a therapist is about finding someone who truly gets you. Whether you need a no-nonsense CBT coach, a deep-diving EMDR expert, or a compassionate trauma specialist, there’s a perfect match waiting for you. Therapy is an investment in yourself, so take your time, trust your gut, and don’t settle! Take that first step, book a consultation with Grigore Counselling, and start your journey toward a healthier, happier you!
