A Guide for Getting Started
How to Choose a Therapist Who Fits
The relationship with your therapist matters as much as the method they use. A few honest questions can save you weeks of sessions with someone who is not the right fit.
Start With What Brings You In
Before you look at names and photos, write down the one or two things you most want help with. Maybe it is grief after a loss, panic that wakes you up at night, or the same argument with your partner every week. A therapist who focuses on your concern will have seen it many times and will know where to start.
Then think about format. Do you want individual sessions, couples sessions or family sessions? Do you need evening or weekend times? Would you rather meet by video from home? Answers to these questions narrow the list quickly.
Culture, Faith and Feeling Understood
Many people put off therapy because they worry they will spend half the session explaining their culture, their family or their faith. You deserve a therapist who gets it, or who is honestly curious and respectful when they do not.
Our practice was built so people of color from many cultures can feel heard, seen and accepted. Some clients want their faith included in sessions and some do not; either choice is welcome. If language matters, ask whether sessions are available in Spanish.
- Have you worked with clients from backgrounds like mine?
- How do you include culture or faith if I want it, and leave it out if I don't?
- What does a typical session with you look like?
- How will we know if therapy is working?
Check Licensure and Supervision
In Texas, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is fully licensed. An LPC Associate is licensed and practices under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor while finishing supervised hours. A graduate counselor intern is a master's student seeing clients under supervision.
Every one of these can be a strong fit. Supervised clinicians often have more openings and different rates, and their work is reviewed by an experienced supervisor. What matters most is that the person is trained for your concern and that you feel safe talking with them.
Use the First Call to Decide
A short phone call tells you a lot. Notice whether you felt rushed or listened to, whether your questions got straight answers, and whether you could picture yourself being honest with this person.
It is okay to switch if the fit is not right after a session or two. A good therapist will not take it personally, and at a group practice, switching to a colleague is simple. We offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions before you commit.
Clinicians for This
Demetria FlowersLPC Associate, MAPractices under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S).
Lyndsay DawsonLPC Associate, MAPractices under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S).
Debbie VidanaGraduate Counselor InternPractices under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S).
Common Questions
- How long does it take to know if a therapist is a good fit?
- Most people know within two or three sessions. If you still feel guarded or unheard after that, say so. Talking about the fit is part of good therapy.
- Can I ask for a therapist who shares my background?
- Yes. Tell us what matters to you when you reach out, whether that is culture, language, faith or experience with a specific concern, and we will suggest the clinicians who fit best.
- Is a supervised clinician a good choice?
- Often, yes. LPC Associates and graduate counselor interns are trained, and their work is reviewed by an experienced supervisor. They may also have more openings and a different rate.
Ready to Begin?
Tell us what you are looking for, and we will point you to the clinicians on our team who fit it best.