Some times a thought comes to you a few times and you dismiss it, such as : “I wonder if it would be helpful to talk to a counselor about__________? Nah, too much trouble.” And yet you may sense that you are missing out on something important or making similar mistakes over and over. If friends and loved ones have suggested that you talk to someone about an issue, consider finding a professional counselor. (Counselor initials look like: LPC—licensed professional counselor, LMFT —licensed marriage and family therapist, LCSW—licensed clinical social worker or PsyD—psychologist.)
Once you decide that you are open to talking to someone, the next questions are to tailor your search for the “right fit” for you. Are you looking for specific experience in working with ______ or a counselor to help you figure out what the problem is? Are you more comfortable with a male or female counselor? Does age or years of experience matter? Does faith and worldview matter to you? Would you be able to go into the office on a weekly or biweekly basis or is tele-health a better option for your life/work schedule? Will you be using insurance or self pay?
Some clients benefit from at least once a month sessions for a lengthy period of time, others come for weekly sessions to get through a “rough patch” and then terminate, and others come for help with a situation and then taper off and perhaps come back later with another situation. I suggest you go to at least 3 sessions to determine if the counselor is the right fit for you at this time and with this issue.
