One of the most important factors in having a successful therapy experience is working with a therapist who is the “right fit”.  In fact, the data shows that the most significant indicator that therapy will be successful is when you feel a safe alliance with your therapist - basically, when you feel like they “get” you and truly care about you.  And yet, what does “the right fit” even mean? And how do you go about finding this elusive quality? 

We've put together a list of questions to ask and things to look for to help you find a therapist who is the perfect fit for you. 

• Specialization: People often look for therapists who specialize in the particular area they are struggling with, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction.

• Approach: People look for therapists who use an approach or therapy style that resonates with them. There are lots of different therapeutic styles, ranging from more structured to open-ended, and that focus on different things.  Some common types include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy (also sometimes known as psychoanalytic therapy or depth-oriented therapy), EMDR, neurocognitive therapy, and more.  

• Personal Connection: This is perhaps the most important factor in finding the right fit.  People look for therapists with whom they feel a personal connection and rapport, and who they feel comfortable opening up to.  The data shows that the most significant indicator that therapy will be successful is when you feel a safe alliance with your therapist. Basically, you feel like they “get” you and truly care about you.  Sometimes you may read about a therapist and feel an instant connection and other times it may feel more opaque. Our Matching Specialist, Emma works with people to help them find the right therapist, which can be an extremely helpful step in finding someone who will resonate with you.

• Experience and Qualifications: People look for therapists who have experience working with their particular issue and have the appropriate qualifications and licensure. At Self Space, all of our therapists have first met the rigorous graduate school and state requirements to serve as licensed healthcare professionals.  Through ongoing continuing education, training, and experience each therapist has developed unique areas of expertise in order to competently serve particular issues and identities. Oftentimes, when you search for a therapist, including on the Self Space therapists website, you can filter by each therapists’ specific expertise and focus.

• Consultation: Many therapists will also be happy to do a brief consultation before a first session, which can help you get a sense of whether they could be the right fit. To set up a free phone consultation with any of our therapists, contact our Matching Specialist, Emma. 

• Availability and Accessibility: People look for therapists who have availability that fits their schedule and who are accessible in terms of location and/or availability for virtual or online sessions.  At Self Space we offer both in person and virtual sessions in our Seattle and Kirkland locations.

• Cost and Insurance: People consider the cost of therapy and whether the therapist accepts their insurance or offers sliding-scale fees. Check out our fees page here for more information about Self Space, and about our most affordable options.

• Recommendations and Reviews: People look for recommendations from trusted sources, such as friends or healthcare providers, and may also read online reviews to get an idea of a therapist's approach and style.

Finding the right therapist for you does not have to daunting - we are here to help every step of the way!

Rachel Lund started Self Space out of the deep belief in the power of therapy to change people’s lives from the inside out. Her hope is to help people find more safety, care and love in their lives. Rachel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in Washington state, and focuses on treating clients through a neuropsychotherapy approach to therapy that connects mind+body.