How to Find the Right Therapist for You

— from the team at Wildflower Center for Counseling

Starting therapy is one of the most personal decisions you can make. It often comes at a turning point—when you're feeling overwhelmed, worn down, or just tired of trying to figure everything out on your own.

If you're here, reading this, you're already doing something brave. Let us walk with you for a moment and help you learn the steps needed to find the right therapist—someone who feels like the right fit for you or your child.

1. Start with What You Need—Even If It's Not Fully Clear Yet

You don't need to have all the answers before starting therapy. Many people worry they have to know exactly what's wrong or what kind of therapy they need. The truth is, your therapist will help you figure that out.

Start by asking yourself a few gentle questions:

• What's been feeling heavy lately?

• What do I hope feels different in a few months?

• Am I looking for tools, healing, support for my child, or something I can't quite name yet?

Maybe it's anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm. Perhaps your child is experiencing difficulties with behavior, school adjustment, or big emotions they don't know how to express. Maybe trauma from years ago still lingers quietly under the surface.

Whatever it is, just naming it is a powerful first step.

2. Look for Someone Who Gets You (And Uses Approaches That Fit)

Therapists are trained in different specialties and use various evidence-based approaches. At Wildflower, our team of 16 independently licensed and associate-level clinicians (LPCs, LPC-As, LMSWs, LMFTs, and LISW-CPs)—including 2 telehealth-only clinicians—offers a wide range of support from brief, solution-focused therapy to long-term healing for complex trauma.

Our Team's Therapeutic Approaches Include:

For anxiety, depression, and negative thought patterns:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - helping you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns

• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) - focusing on how beliefs affect emotions and behaviors

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - learning to accept difficult feelings while committing to valued actions

For intense emotions and relationship challenges: 

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - building skills for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - strengthening emotional bonds and communication in relationships

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy - using research-based techniques to improve relationship satisfaction and resolve conflict

For trauma and complex emotional healing: 

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - processing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) - working with different parts of yourself with compassion and understanding

• Polyvagal Theory-informed approaches - understanding how your nervous system responds to stress and building safety and regulation

For deeper self-awareness and growth: 

• Gestalt Therapy - focusing on present-moment awareness and personal responsibility

• Psychodynamic Therapy - exploring how past experiences shape current patterns and relationships

• Narrative Therapy - helping you rewrite your story and identify your strengths and values

For children and specialized support: 

• Play Therapy - using play as a natural language for children to express and process emotions

• Art Therapy - utilizing creative expression to explore feelings, process experiences, and promote healing

You don't need to learn all the clinical language. Just ask questions like:

• Have you worked with people going through something like this?

• What approaches do you use, and why?

• How do you support kids, teens, or adults like me/my family?

3. Know What to Look For (And What to Avoid)

Green Flags in a Good Therapist:

• Listens without judgment

• Explains their approach clearly

• Respects your pace and boundaries

• Shows genuine interest in your goals

• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries

• Returns calls/messages within a reasonable timeframe

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Pushes their own agenda or beliefs

• Seems distracted or disinterested

• Breaks confidentiality inappropriately

• Makes you feel judged or criticized

• Consistently runs late or cancels frequently

• Talks excessively about themselves

4. The First Meeting Can Tell You a Lot

When you do connect with a potential therapist, pay attention to how the interaction feels—whether it's your first phone call, email exchange, or initial session:

Sample Questions to Ask:

• "How do you typically work with [your specific concern]?"

• "What can I expect in our first few sessions?"

• "How do you involve parents when working with children/teens?"

• "What's your approach to confidentiality?"

• "How do you measure progress?"

You don't have to feel 100% comfortable right away (that often takes time), but there should be something in the connection that says, "I could start here."

5. Fit Matters—And You're Allowed to Take Your Time

Finding the right therapist is kind of like finding the right pair of shoes. You might have to try a couple on. Some are too tight, some too loose—but when the fit is right, you feel it.

Fit is critical when therapy involves your child. You want someone who connects not just with them, but with you as the parent—someone who includes you in the process while holding space for your child's unique needs.

At Wildflower, we're committed to that balance. We want every client to feel understood and supported.

6. Let's Talk About the Practical Stuff

Therapy is also a commitment of time, money, and energy. Ask the logistical questions up front:

Important Questions:

• What times are available?

• Do you offer after-school or evening sessions?

• Is therapy virtual, in-person, or both?

• What are your rates and policies?

• How long do sessions typically last?

• What is your cancellation policy?

About Our Practice: Wildflower accepts several major insurance plans, making quality mental health care more accessible to our community. We'll work with you to understand your benefits and help you navigate the insurance process.

We know therapy has to be sustainable, both emotionally and financially. We'll talk through your options and make sure it's a good fit for you and your family.

7. What to Expect in Your First Few Sessions

Many people wonder what actually happens in therapy. Here's what you can typically expect:

Intake Session: Initial assessment of your presenting concerns, background history, and current functioning Sessions 1-2: Collaborative development of your treatment plan with specific, measurable goals Sessions 3-4: Implementation of therapeutic interventions and techniques tailored to your needs Ongoing Treatment: Regular progress monitoring, treatment plan modifications as clinical needs evolve, and adjustment of therapeutic approaches to optimize outcomes

Remember: You're not locked in—ever. You are allowed to change therapists if it's not working. For yourself. For your child. For your family. We honor that at Wildflower and will even help you find someone else if we're not the best fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if therapy is working? A: You might notice feeling more equipped to handle challenges, having better relationships, or simply feeling more like yourself again.

Q: What if I don't click with my therapist right away? A: Give it 2-3 sessions to see if the connection develops. If not, it's okay to try someone else.

Q: How long does therapy usually take? A: It varies greatly—some people benefit from a few months of support, others from longer-term work. We'll discuss this based on your specific needs.

A Final Word from Us

Finding a therapist is deeply personal. It's not about finding someone who has all the answers—it's about finding someone who helps you discover your answers, your strength, your story.

At Wildflower Center for Counseling, we offer a diverse, compassionate team ready to meet you or your child wherever you are. Whether you're here for short-term clarity or deep healing, we'll walk alongside you—step by step.

You're not alone. You never were. And the right support can make all the difference.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We'd be honored to help you find the right fit—whether it's with us or someone we trust.

Call us at 843-936-2566, Email us at Intake@wildflowercfc.com, Visit our website at https://www.wildflowercfc.com/

We'll talk about what you're going through, answer your questions, and help you decide if we're the right match for your journey.

Your healing matters. Your story matters. And you deserve support that feels just right.