Tailoring Therapy: Finding Your Perfect Fit
I always start off my sessions with new clients by saying, “Choosing a therapist is like shopping and selecting the perfect pair of jeans. There is a style, fit, and vibe that will suit you, and you need to find it.” What may fit your family or friends may not work for you, and that’s okay! Your mental health journey is unique, just like you (and of course your preference in jeans!).
Here are my personal tips:
Know your style: Just as you have a preferred brand, color, and wash of jeans, you too may lean towards a specific style of therapy. Just like trying on and researching the perfect brand, you can do the same with therapy. Discover different therapeutic approaches like CBT, psychoanalysis, or brain-based approaches to understand what resonates with you.
Check the fit: A good pair of jeans hugs you in all the right places. Similarly, your therapist should feel like a comfortable fit. Attend an intake session to gauge the rapport. If it feels right, you’re on to something.
Explore the options: Therapy comes in various styles, just like jeans: individual or group, online or in-person. Explore what aligns with your preferences and schedule.
Consider the fabric: Feel all the fabrics! Reflect on your comfort level with different therapeutic modalities. If delving into childhood memories feels like a cozy denim, psychoanalysis might be your style. If you prefer practical strategies, CBT and REBT could be your go-to. Brainspotting and hypnotherapy allow you to process deep-rooted trauma and relational stuck-ness.
Size matters: Know the jeans you are getting into! Recognize the commitment level. Some therapies are brief and solution-focused while others are more long-term and exploratory. Choose a duration and cost solution that suits your needs.
Ask for recommendations: Friends recommend jeans that fit well, and the same goes for therapists. Seek recommendations from trusted sources. Personal experiences often provide valuable insights.
Read reviews (but take them with a grain or two of salt!): Just like online shopping, read reviews cautiously. What works for one person might not work for another. Trust your instincts.
Consider alterations: Not all pairs of jeans are perfect off the rack, or they may need some altering over time. Similarly, your therapy might need adjustments. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs and preferences to your therapist.
Be open to trends: Therapy evolves, just like fashion. Stay open to trying new approaches or techniques. What works for you might be a unique blend of therapeutic trends.
Choosing a therapist is a personal journey, much like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Take your time, try on a few, and don’t settle until you find the one that feels just right. After all, both therapy and great jeans contribute to a healthier, happier you!
“Psychotherapy isn't a twentieth-century artifice imposed on nature, but the reinstatement of a natural healing process.”