Help Finding a Therapist

The Boulder Psychotherapists’ Guild has a goal of ensuring that each consumer is informed about the choices available to them when considering therapy. Deciding to go to therapy is a brave and big step, and the success of your therapy can depend on your relationship with the therapist. That’s why it’s important to have as much information as possible, and to make sure you have asked yourself and your prospective therapists questions that will help get your relationship off on the right foot.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Therapist

Is this psychotherapist qualified to help me?
There are many kinds of problems that people bring to therapists. The therapist’s license provides proof of basic qualifications, but many professionals have additional training in specific areas. A professional’s experience, interests and specialties also help you decide about the qualifications that are important to you as an individual.

Does this person use a type of therapy that fits for me?
Does the therapist work with the right age group? Are they able to offer what I’m looking for — individual, couple, family or group therapy? There are many effective types of psychotherapy. Each type may put a different amount of emphasis on feelings, thoughts, relationships, or the unconsicous. Some value brevity while others value thoroughness. Ask how a therapist would help you work on your problem and see if it makes sense to you.