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Change Is Possible, if You Show Up and Do The Work
People come to therapy for a wide range of needs, but the main driver is often emotional distress. Clients seek therapy when they feel like they’ve exhausted all other options. Something in their life isn’t working anymore, and they’ve tried everything they can think of, without success. Couples married for twenty years feel like their spouse is a stranger. Parents struggle to support the child who won’t leave her bedroom. A work-from-home father fears he’s lost control over his drinking. All are in pain, and the next step is unclear.
How To Find a Therapist Who’s a Good Fit
Finding a therapist should not be overwhelming or stressful. It’s common to ask friends who seem to have a balanced life or trusted healthcare providers for recommendations. Chances are they’ve been to a therapist or know one. Don’t expect that their recommendation will necessarily be a match, however. Personality styles vary for both participants, as do concerns and goals.
Request a free 15-minute phone consultation with prospective therapists. This brief introduction to the therapists’ personality and presence can help increase the probability of a strong match. Use this time to ask questions about experience and expectations, such as:
- What is your experience with ____? (your concern/problem)
- What are your client expectations? (frequency of appointments, homework, etc.)
- How do you support your client in meeting their goals, and how do you know when they’ve met them?
- What is communication like outside of sessions? How do you see the therapist’s role in the client’s life?
- Are you licensed?
Finding a therapist who can support your specific need is key. A therapist who claims to treat everything should raise a red flag. Therapists should also have clear boundaries between themselves and their clients. Most can not guarantee immediate 24/7 support outside of scheduled sessions. Licensed therapists have stringent requirements—in Pennsylvania, they complete a 60 credit master’s program—and have thousands of hours of clinical experience, as well as ongoing continuing education requirements.
What You Can Expect in Therapy
- All licensed therapists are legally bound to HIPAA and HITECH privacy laws. Clients should be able to trust that whether they meet their therapist via telehealth or in-person, any information shared by either side is not heard or accessed by anyone else. This is critical, especially as telehealth becomes more prevalent.
- A therapist will challenge the client, not just provide comfort. They’ll offer empathy as the client addresses difficult topics and support the client in making hard choices and looking at all parts of the problem.
- Therapists do not have all the answers. Clients should ask their therapist questions such as, “Why do you see it this way?” or “I don’t think that’s important, why do you?” Therapy is a collaboration, and YOU are the most important part.
- Therapy can be uncomfortable. Personal growth, healing, and sustainable change requires hard work.
Make The Most of Therapy
If you decide to pursue therapy, there are two recommendations for getting the most out of it. First, make sure to allow time both before and after the session—even ten minutes—to prepare and regroup. Drink some water, focus on breathing, and clear your mind in a quiet space. You deserve this time to focus on yourself, so make sure you are well prepared.
Second, engage with the material outside of the therapy appointment. Therapy is work, and the work doesn’t stop when the session ends. Write some notes about the session, journal throughout the week, read book recommendations, and do the homework. Clients who practice a more rigorous engagement tend to progress faster than those who engage less.
If you’re curious about whether or not therapy might be the right fit for you, contact Brynn Cicippio, founder of BCA Therapy, to learn more.
BCA Therapy is a group of experienced, ethical, and compassionate therapists supporting children, teens, and adults in individual, couples, and family therapy. They treat a variety of concerns, including: affairs, addictions, anxiety, family stress, poor self-esteem, grief and loss, trauma, and recovery from narcissistic abuse.
You can find them online at: www.BCATherapy.com or on social media: IG @Brynn_Cicippio_LMFT and Facebook: Brynn Cicippio & Associates.
983 Old Eagle School Rd
Suite 611
Wayne, PA 19087
1790 Yardley-Langhorne Road
Suite 211
Yardley, PA 19067
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