Life can feel unfair or overwhelming at times. It might be great for life to be easy and fun all of the time, but we all know that is not our reality. We come across people who experience various life challenges, stress, feel depressed, lonely or misunderstood. If you are feeling exhausted by any of these emotions, fears or anxieties then it may be helpful for you to consider counseling. Finding the right person to help you with counseling in Charlotte may seem easier said than done. There are many people offering counseling services, but not all of them are a good fit. Here are three important tips for selecting your counselor.
#1 Not all counselors deal with all issues. You will need to explore their areas of expertise to make sure their specializations match your specific needs. For example, if you need support in your marriage, you’d want to look for a marriage counselor or a relationship counselor.
#2 Look for a well-established counseling practice. It is important to know that, to provide you with effective counseling services, a counselor needs to be qualified as well as licensed. Before you select a counselor, do your research. Look at the counselor’s website, online reviews, and review online therapist directories such as Psychology Today (www.psychologytoday.com) and/or Good Therapy (www.goodtherapy,org).
#3 Most importantly, you should be able to establish a good rapport with your counselor. You can do this by having a phone conversation with your potential counselor. You can ask questions, pay attention to how s/he responds, and think about whether the vibe feels right to you. We recommend that you look for a counselor who is friendly and approachable and has a good reputation.
What you need to remember is that a counselor is not a person who has solutions to all of your problems, but sharing your struggles with a counselor will help you gain better clarity. You will be able to look at the issues more objectively and find the best solutions with the help of your counselor.