Questions to Find the Right Counselor Continued

Here is the Last 3 of 7 Questions to Help You

Part 2 of a 2-Part Find the Right Counselor Series

Considering counseling can be a daunting prospect and you may feel as if you don’t know where to start looking for the right therapist. In my previous article, I discussed the first four of seven questions that can help you when beginning the process of looking for a counselor. In this article, I discuss the remaining questions, which will help you to further refine your search to find a counselor who will be a great fit.

5. Will I Be Able to Travel to their Office Regularly?

Often, traveling long distances to a counseling office can become a burden and a deterrent to continuing regular counseling sessions. Fighting traffic after work to make it to a counseling session can add stress to an already vulnerable situation. Although proximity isn’t the most crucial factor, it can play a role in your ability to meet on a weekly basis. Try finding someone in your home town or near your work in order to minimize travel time, or schedule sessions on a day when you have plenty of time before and after the session. On the other hand, I have also heard from several people that having a decent drive to and from counseling allowed them space to prepare for each session, as well as to process the conversation on the way home.

6. Did I Feel Heard and Understood?

During your first session, it is important to assess whether or not you feel the counseling relationship will be a positive one. Most counselors will be able to accommodate the needs and specific goals of each client, but clients have the right to try out a few counselors before deciding who might be the best fit.

7. Am I Ready to Commit to the Counseling Process?

Finally, I want to highlight the importance of the client’s readiness to enter the counseling process. Counseling can be challenging at times and your counselor may encourage you towards new types of growth that can be uncomfortable at times. Whenever someone changes or grows, there is a period of struggle or adjustment before settling into their new routine. If you are unsure about your readiness to make positive changes as a result of counseling, feel free to reach out anyway and to process your concerns with the counselor. Sometimes working past those initial fears is the first step towards wholeness and healing.

Christian Counseling as a Resource for You

One thing I love about Seattle Christian Counseling is that we offer risk-free initial sessions to clients who are looking into the counseling process. This allows new clients to meet with counselors for a full session before any financial commitment is made. If you or someone you love is considering counseling, I hope that working through the above questions has led to more clarity about where to start looking. Whether clients find me through a personal referral or simply through online searching, I am always amazed at their courage to seek help and I am honored to be part of their healing process.