How to Find the Right Therapist for Individual Therapy

Find the Right Therapist for Individual Therapy in the Twin Cities and all of Minnesota

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I get that. For one thing, there are many of us out there. And now that you’ve started looking, you might be experiencing information overload. It might also be that you don’t yet know what you’re looking for in a therapist.

So, this search can feel like a lot—especially if you’re already feeling stuck, frustrated, or lost. And add to that any thoughts of, “I have to find a therapist!”

Of course, you want someone interested in you and your story, who understands your needs and can help you work toward your healing and growth, and who has experience in your particular concern!

Here are some additional things to consider when looking for your right-fit therapist.

1. Look for a Therapist Who Specializes in Your Concerns

Many therapists have chosen focus or specialty areas, such as people-pleasing, trauma, boundaries, or relationships—to name just a few. We may also prefer to work in a particular modality or multiple modalities, such as with individuals, couples, families, or groups.

For example, I focus on work with individuals. And one of my specialty areas is helping men who want to improve their relationships with their partners. Their areas of concern may include learning to communicate better, navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, or making relationship repairs.

When you’re exploring for potential therapists, review their website or profile to see what they highlight and how that aligns with your primary concerns.

2. Consider the Convenience and Efficacy of Online Therapy

If your schedule is packed or you prefer the comfort of your own space, online therapy can be a great option. It lets you be flexible with your time—no driving, parking, worrying about the weather, or dressing for going outside. It’s private in the space of your choosing. And it allows you to connect with a therapist anywhere in Minnesota.

For example, I’m an online therapist, and I’ve found that my clients appreciate logging in from their living room, office, or even parked car.

Additionally, studies show that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy for most populations. It’s also true that therapists and clients alike can experience being connected even virtually.

When searching for a therapist, see how they offer their sessions—online (AKA virtual or telehealth), in-person, or combination—and whether that aligns with your needs. Online therapy is not everyone’s preference and is not appropriate for every client, but it works for me and my clients. You might want to consider online therapy if you haven’t thought about its benefits.

3. Check Credentials and Experience

Therapists come from various educational backgrounds, such as marriage and family therapy, social work, psychology, or counseling. Your therapist should be licensed in your state and have experience with the issues you want to address. Most therapists include this information on their website or professional profile.

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed by the state of Minnesota. My education and training are based in the knowing that the personal and the relational are connected and linked. Visit my About page to learn more about what my clients can expect and about me.

4. Trust the Importance of the Right Connection

Studies continue to show that therapy is most effective when you feel comfortable with and understood by your therapist. Also, a good therapist won’t judge or push you into something you’re not ready for or that doesn’t align with your goals. It’s not a therapist’s place to impose their values or goals on you.

During the consultation or in initial sessions, notice how you feel talking to them:

• Do they put you at ease?

• Do they seem genuinely interested in your story?

• Do you feel you can be yourself?

• Do their style and attitude match what you need?

Because the client-therapist relationship is an important factor in the process, consider consulting with at least a few therapists before you decide. Finding your right fit may take some trial and error. But it’s worth the effort to find someone who aligns with your wants and needs.

5. Ask Questions During a Consultation

Most therapists offer a free or low-cost consultation to see if you’re a good fit for each other. Go ahead and ask questions! A therapist should allow time for your questions during your consultation call.

For example, you might want to know

• How do you typically work with clients who see you for relationship challenges?

• What can I expect from our sessions?

• Will I have to do work outside our sessions?

I offer a no-charge, no-obligation, 20-minute consultation. Questions are always welcome. Or, if you’re not quite ready for a consultation and have questions, you can send me a message via my contact form.

6. Consider Other Therapist Human Factors

You may have an idea of ‘your perfect therapist’—a therapist of a certain gender, race, or faith practice—to name only a few. The good news is many therapist directories have selection features for filtering what you have in mind during your search.

For example, I’m a white, middle-aged, married, child-free by choice female (these are only a few of my life lenses and biases) who specializes in individual therapy for relationship issues, particularly—but not exclusively—for men. You can read more about whom I help and about me on my Individual Relationship Therapy and About pages.

7. Decide How You Will Pay for Therapy

Some therapists are paneled with insurance companies and accept certain insurances, while some are not paneled at all and are self-pay only.

Whether to use insurance or private pay is a personal decision. Neither is good or bad, and both have pros and cons. As you review therapist bios, also look at the sections that show what insurance or pay means the therapist accepts.

I am a self-pay therapist. Visit my Rates & Info page for my current rates plus other information such as superbills, Medicare Opt-Out, and hours.

8. Start Your Journey Toward Change

The right therapist can make all the difference in how you approach your challenges and achieve your goals. You already know this, that’s why you’re here.

If you’re ready to explore individual therapy, it would be my privilege to support you. One of my specialty areas is helping individual men navigate relationship issues for greater connection, confidence, clarity, and loving energy with their partners.

Let’s talk! If you like what you read, reach out today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. I’m here to help you take your next steps toward the changes you want to see.