Finding a psychologist, counselor, or therapist in Wakefield
Finding the right Wakefield therapist can be easy!
If you have never been in therapy before, or if you have been away for a while, it can feel overwhelming to find a therapist. As a Wakefield therapist, I am often fielding questions about how someone can find the best therapist for themself, or just as often, for their kid, their sibling, their parent or a friend. It can certainly feel daunting because no one wants to waste time or emotional energy on a therapy relationship that is not effective. While a Google search can bring a number of hits or a doctor might refer you to a directory, most of us feel a bit better if we have a personal connection.
Yet what are you to do if you are new to town, no one gives you any ideas or you simply do not want to tell anyone that you are looking for a therapist? What if the risk of awkwardness is stops you in your tracks?
Why finding the right therapist matters
Research shows time and time again that the relationship between the person in therapy and the therapist is the most important factor for good outcomes in therapy. Finding someone you can build a trusting relationship with matters a lot!
It is natural for it to take a few sessions to get comfortable and learn one another’s style, yet once you find your groove, effective therapy can make a world of a difference in your life. Effective therapy can help you feel more calm, improve your relationships, improve your sleep, improve your performance at work and in school and simply help life feel more satisfying. When you and your therapist have a good working relationship, it is easier for you to learn, explore and grow - which is exactly why you want therapy in the first place! The relationship does not create itself out of thin air, however, so you want to be aware of your hopes and worries as well as your personality, then find someone who aligns with you.
For example, if you are very shy and introverted, you might gain a lot of energy from a therapist who is more outgoing, talkative and direct because they pull you out and get you thinking in a different direction than you might take on your own. On the other hand, you may appreciate someone who is also more soft-spoken, gentle and calming and who can match your energy, creating an environment where you feel comfortable and in sync. Reading this, you probably felt a pull in one direction or the other already, so trust your instincts. Reflect briefly on the personalities in your life that draw you in and those that have you pull back. You want to find a therapist whose personality draws you in and helps you feel secure and comfortable.
I want to help you find a Wakefield therapist! Here are some tips for starting your search:
First, know that you are not alone!
Whether you want therapy for yourself or you are fretting trying to get someone you care about into therapy, you are not alone. Does it feel like you are alone? Heck yeah, our society still does not make it easy to share personal topics like this and that makes it really hard. Yet I can assure you that people at every age, stage, profession, school and in every community seek therapy.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you deserve this help just as much as everyone else who is already doing it. Even if they are doing it in a sneaky way so you don’t know about it.
Next, consider getting Wakefield Therapist recommendations from sources you already trust
Ask friends or family for therapist recommendations
Ask who they know…or who they know who might know someone. It’s okay if someone is several steps removed, sometimes that can make it feel like there is a natural connection while still maintaining your privacy, which can be a helpful starting point. Even if it’s as random as your neighbor’s coworker’s sister’s husband making the suggestion.
You can say something like, “have any of you ever been to therapy before? I’ve been thinking about it…how did you find your therapist? Are they taking new clients? Any ideas how I can find someone?”
Ask local sources for support finding a local Wakefield therapist
Some towns have a Health Department that provides referrals to therapists in the area. You can look up your town’s Health Department online and call to ask, “do you provide referrals for therapists in the area?”
Local Facebook community groups and special interest groups can be a way of feeling the closeness of home with a little more personal space than family/friends. Many online groups have an option to post anonymously if that is more comfortable for you. Consider making a post that says, “does anyone know a good therapist in the area for…” Then be as specific as possible, for example, “coping with a new cancer diagnosis” or “dealing with general stress and anxiety that just feels like too much” or “helping when I can’t seem to get out of bed anymore,” or “dealing with loneliness”
Your PCP (or pediatrician if you are a young adult and haven’t figured out this transition yet) can provide therapist recommendations
They are accustomed to helping people through difficulties and may have recommendations to offer. If you have an upcoming appointment, write yourself a note so you remember to ask, “do you happen to know any good therapists in the area? My mood hasn’t been so great lately and I think it might help to talk to someone.”
If you don’t have an upcoming appointment, consider sending a message in the online portal to say something like, “I’m wondering if your office has any recommendations for therapists in the area? I think it would be good for me to talk to someone.”
They might respond by asking you a bunch of questions about depression or anxiety to get a better sense of what your challenge is so they can help you. While this can take people aback and feel a bit intrusive, keep in mind that it is their way of taking care of you as best they can. Answer honestly and openly and they will be able to talk about next steps
Take it to Google
Take your time to search for therapists, read their websites and see who has a temperament that resonates with you. Set aside 20 minutes for a few days and see who jumps out at you as you review the information available.
While you can search for something general like, “Wakefield therapist,” you will notice that you get a ton of responses and it’s hard to know where to look next. Consider whether there are specific features of a therapist that are important to you, such as their gender presentation or their stage in life. Maybe there are logistics important to you like whether they offer telehealth or if their office is handicapped accessible. Importantly, consider the specifics of the help you hope to receive and if you want to search for something specific like help with sleep or anxiety or friendships.
For example, I am a Wakefield therapist, and if someone is looking for a female therapist experienced with young adults who are struggling to enjoy their transition to living independently and working professionally, I could be for you! If, on the other hand, you feel more comfortable with a male who can address challenges in your romantic relationship, I will not be a fit and would refer you to a colleague who can be more helpful.
With your preferences in mind, consider putting them into Google to get a more specific search.
Take advantage of consultations
As therapists, we offer these to give you a snapshot of our approaches and personalities and so we get a snapshot of your needs as well. We WANT to talk to you!
Usually you can feel if someone resonates pretty quickly and there is no commitment if it’s awkward or doesn’t feel right. Simply keep moving on your list
A free consultation with a therapist in Wakefield
Finding the right Wakefield therapist can be overwhelming at first, but it does not need to stay that way. As a caring and experienced therapist, I can help you find strategies to feel your best whether you are starting therapy for the first time or looking to reconnect with the process. With the flexibility of in-person and online therapy, we can find a space for therapy in your lifestyle and schedule.
Specializing in working with young adults and adults during life transitions as well as with caregivers, I am committed to finding strategies to have you feeling your best. Are you ready to take the next step? Let’s connect over a free, 15-minute phone consultation for therapy in Wakefield.