Talk therapy or counseling can effectively treat a wide range of mental and emotional problems. Simply sharing your thoughts and feelings with a supportive and caring person can often make you feel better.
More than listening to you, a professional therapist can help you develop skills and confidence to deal with life's challenges and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Additionally, a good therapist can help boost your self esteem and make you stronger and more self-aware.
However, finding a good therapist can be challenging. If it's your first time seeking counseling, we have a few tips for you.
How to Make the Right Choice When Looking for Lakewood Counseling
So, how do you make a great choice when choosing a Lakewood counseling center? Follow these steps:
1) Talk to a mental health professional about your therapy options.
Maybe a loved one's passing has sent you in search of a grief counselor. Maybe you are struggling with gender identity or dealing with chronic stress, anxiety disorder, or depression.
Counseling centers offer different therapies to treat varying mental health concerns. Among the most popular approaches are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), individual therapy, EMDR, trauma therapy, couples counseling, marriage counseling, and brainspotting therapy.
During the initial consultation, your therapist will be able to determine the best type of treatment for you.
Some therapists are well-versed in multiple approaches. You want to find a professional counselor who specializes in your mental health concern.
If you're not sure about what type of treatment is best for you, talk to us today.
Our licensed professional counselor will give you an overview of your therapy choices.
We understand that every person has unique needs and situations. Thus, we listen carefully to our clients so we can create the best treatment plan for them.
2) Know your therapist.
There are many therapists in Lakewood, but a mental health professional who is competent and committed to helping you heal is like a rare gem.
So how do you pick the right one? When assessing a potential therapist, you must first ensure they are qualified to treat you.
According to the American Psychological Association, a therapist should be licensed to practice in the state or area where they are based. Our Lakewood Counseling center has a team of highly experienced practitioners who have undergone comprehensive training and certifications.
Individual and family therapists may also have credentials for specific areas, such as EMDR, brainspotting, or addiction therapy.
Speaking of credentials, you want to look for the Lakewood Colorado center that is certified to provide counseling services. The specific credentials you must look for are licensed professional counselors with a Master's Degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field.
Experience matters too. Look for a Lakewood counselor with the experience and expertise to treat your problems.
Even though on the surface, individuals may present the same symptoms and diagnoses, such as depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship conflicts, no two stories are the same. As such, they can't be treated exactly the same way.
Experienced counselors have seen the problems you're facing again and again, which broadens their views and gives them more insights to create a therapy plan that would work best for you.
For some problems like PTSD or trauma, seeing a licensed psychologist who specializes in these conditions is extremely important.
3) Value professionalism.
You should have a better feel if the counseling center values professionalism the moment you walk into their office. Do they have a clean and conducive space? Is the staff approachable? Are they prompt in their responses? Do they make you feel comfortable and safe?
Change Inc counselors are positively oriented and approach clients with a holistic perspective. Our private clinic rests on South Wadsworth Boulevard, which is accessible from anywhere in Lakewood.
4) Trust your gut.
More than the title, establishing a therapeutic relationship with your counselor should be your priority.
Trust is crucial to counseling success. Therapy can only go as far without a trusting alliance between the client and the therapist.
The first few sessions with your therapist play a vital role in establishing this trust.
What are the qualities of a trusting family therapist?
Empathy
First of all, they should have a deep interest in their client. They aren't just there to listen to their clients and offer solutions. They should empathize with you and keep your interests at heart. Moreover, good counselors relate to their clients with sensitivity to their needs.
Communication Skills
Good therapists know how to communicate their ideas, provide guidance, and set boundaries without harshness or condemnation. Your therapist should make you realize that you can trust them to listen to you and provide expert advice.
Patience
Professional counselors often encounter clients who struggle to make progress or apply the learnings they get from the treatment. A good counselor has the patience to walk you through your struggles so you can find a way to live a better life.
Non-judgemental
A counseling session isn't about pointing to a person their mistakes, flaws, and poor beliefs. It's about leading a client toward a future where they feel more empowered and confident enough to make positive changes for themselves.
Commitment
The best counselors aren't necessarily those who are most well-known in their field but rather those who are always striving toward greatness and working harder to help their clients achieve their mental health goals.
Open to Change
Lastly, good therapists constantly scrutinize what they do and why and are honest about their work. They don't hesitate to solicit feedback from clients and colleagues so they can improve their approaches and techniques.
5) Prepare for your first session.
If you feel like you have found the right therapist, it's time to set the initial appointment. Start by setting clear goals of what you hope to achieve from the therapy.
If you're unsure about your goals, that's fine. Finding clarity in this regard is part of what professional therapy can offer you.
Next, manage your expectations. The first session is an opportunity for your therapist to know you better and vice versa.
Finally, allow yourself to be vulnerable. Getting treatment is a huge step in your mental wellness journey. It is completely normal to feel different emotions, whether good or bad. Just as in life, therapy is both a journey and a process.
6) Re-evaluate.
After the session, reflect on how you felt talking to this person. Did they make you feel comfortable?
Don't expect to get better right away. It usually takes three or more sessions before you start to feel the difference.
If you feel like you're not making progress or you don't feel comfortable with your therapist, you can always find someone else. Don't be discouraged from starting over. Part of your goal is to find a long-term partner who can support you and help you meet your therapy goals.
Change Inc. Counseling - A Great Lakewood Counseling Center
Change Inc. Counseling was started to help individuals, couples, and families overcome mental health challenges. We offering counseling for Lakewood residents to achieve a better life quality. We work with all ages, including children, teens, young adults adolescents.
We invite you to come and visit our warm and beautiful counseling center at South Wadsworth Boulevard. We offer family counseling, CBT, EMDR, brainspotting, and other healing therapies.
Don't have the time to go out? We can provide you with great online counseling as well.
We offer online therapy sessions for both old and new clients. Whether you want to overcome stress, manage life transitions, fix relationship issues, or find more balance in your life, we are here to help.
So if you are struggling with your emotional well being and don't know what to do, to start feeling better, click below to contact us. We're here to help you start feeling like your old self again.