It is high time for therapy to stop being a taboo subject. Mistakenly, a lot of people still think that you need to have some sort of a serious issue in order to ‘qualify for therapy. 

Regular mental hygiene can be remarkably beneficial and it can improve many aspects of your life.

Our problems and our lives, in general, may differ, but taking care of our mental health is an unavoidable part of it.

So, if you made the initial decision to start seeing a psychologist, the next step would be finding one. Here is a must-read guide on finding a great therapist.

Ask someone you trust

A referral from a person you know and trust is a good place to start. It could be useful to hear from your friends, family or perhaps a medical professional their experiences and suggestions. If you already know that you’d feel more comfortable with telehealth, ask for recommendations from friends and family for the best online therapy they’ve experienced.

However, keep in mind that therapy is a very subjective thing and it doesn’t mean that someone’s recommendation will be a good fit for you.

Even if you’re not seeking referrals, being able to open up and discuss mental health with people close to you is crucial in order to create a positive and supportive environment.

Reach out to organizations

Local organizations that are involved with a specific type of work or are focused on a particular issue can point you in the right direction. They know the best and (probably) most affordable options.

If you’re not familiar with or associated with any organisations, there are some other options.

For example, if you’re a student there might be a counselling centre you can go to. Some companies can suggest a list of psychologists to their employees through an assistance program. 

Or perhaps you can consider turning to your place of worship for a referral to a therapist who’s affiliated with your faith.

Online research and databases

Many mental health organizations have databases with lists of licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, and counsellors that you can search through.

However, not every city or area has an official database. Whatever the case might be, you can (and should) do some online research on your own. 

It is quite often as simple as typing in your ZIP code and let Google (or some other search engine) provide you with the list of professional therapists in your area.

For example, by researching psychologist in Dubai, you will find some of the most trusted experts that specialized in group and individual therapy for both children and adults.

Therapy apps

Since we live in the world of technology, it is no wonder that some therapy apps have surfaced in the past few years. Especially recently, with all the restrictions due to the COVID-19 epidemic, that was pretty much the only way to continue (or start) therapy.

This approach might not be for everyone but it might be exactly what you’re looking for.

And the apps offer you tools to help you explore different options and types of therapy while matching you with a licensed therapist. A digital therapy platform can provide you with a session online or via phone.

A lot of people consider it much more convenient for their busy schedules and also more affordable than regular therapy sessions.

Ask the right questions

To narrow down the search even further, it would be useful to have in mind certain goals you’re trying to achieve and issues you want to resolve. Asking the right questions can do just that, guiding you to the type of therapy you will respond to.

This is especially significant for your first session. It is usually a bit awkward and even though conversation should flow organically it might be a good idea to prepare a few questions. It will provide some structure to the conversation while also allowing you to get familiar with the therapy process and your therapist.

Be aware of your responses

No matter how good the referrals and suggestions are, at the end of the day, it is up to you. Be in touch with your own impressions and assess your experience. See what kind of effect the therapy and the therapist have on you.

Being uncomfortable at therapy while addressing certain issues is perfectly normal. However, being comfortable with your therapist is a whole other thing – it’s absolutely crucial.

By creating a comfortable atmosphere and establishing a strong and trusting bond with your therapist, it will be much easier to address anything that’s on your mind. That is the only way to make progress and resolve some serious (and not so serious) issues.

For that reason, finding the right psychologist can sometimes be a process all of its own. You might get lucky and find the perfect one right away, but that is not always the case. 

The most important thing is not to get discouraged after the first attempt. Whatever the situation might be, just be prepared to search for a while and change a few therapists until you find the one that suits your needs and sensibility the best.

In summary

No matter the issue, big or small, going to therapy will be truly beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing.

It can be difficult to start (and stay on) this journey but with the right guidance, you will begin to notice a change very soon.