Picking the right online therapist is no laughing matter... or is it? As a seasoned online therapist, I can tell you that the wrong therapist can make you want to throw in the towel and run for the hills faster than you can say "couch potato." But fear not! The right therapist can help you conquer life's challenges, reduce your stress level, and help you feel so much better. Of course, finding that therapist is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the haystack is full of therapists and the needle is your perfect match. So, take your time and swipe left or right until you find the therapist who makes you feel comfortable. It’s a little like dating, just because someone is available does not mean that they are right for you. So, how do you choose an online therapist in Texas?
Steps to choose an online therapist in Texas
Decide what you need in an online therapist in Texas
As an online therapist in Texas, I know there are a lot of great reasons that people choose online therapy instead of choosing to come in-person. Some of these reasons include:
Online therapy from the comfort of your home is, well comfortable. You can even take calls on your couch in your pajamas.
You may have some mobility issues which make it hard to get around. Online counseling is perfect in that circumstance.
Online therapy allows you to avoid the commute. If you live in a big city like Dallas, Houston, or San Austin, you know what a nightmare traffic can be. Online counseling means you never have to worry about traffic when trying to get counseling.
Online counseling also means you have more choices of therapists in Texas. You are therefore more likely to find someone who is a good fit for your personality as well as someone who treats your issue.
Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy
What type of online therapy techniques are best?
Different therapists specialize in various issues and approaches, and finding one that fits your specific needs is important to the success of your therapy. Putting some effort into determining why you want to do online therapy and researching the therapist who is a good fit for you will make a big difference.
There are different types of therapy offered by online therapists in Texas including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is useful for people who want to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. It can be especially helpful if you are anxious or depressed. Psychodynamic therapy is useful if you want to explore how past experiences shape present behaviors and thoughts. Mindfulness-based therapy can help people increase self-awareness and teach them how to manage their emotions better. It can also be helpful for learning to relax and destress.
By understanding each type of therapy, you can choose the one that fits your specific needs and goals. Don’t be afraid to ask a therapist what type of therapy they usually use for the kinds of problems you are experiencing.
Research potential therapists
If you're looking for an online therapist in Texas, there are a few things to keep in mind when researching potential therapists. First, it's important to make sure that the therapist is licensed in the state of Texas. You can check the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors or the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners website to verify a therapist's license. Once you've confirmed that a therapist is licensed, you can move on to researching their qualifications, experience, and approach to therapy.
You can research potential online therapists by visiting their websites and reading their online profiles. Most therapists'’ websites have information about their background, education, and their areas of specialization. You can learn a lot from checking out a therapist’s website. Therapists may also have a blog, youtube channel, or even social media platforms where they share content. You can learn about the types of specialties a therapist has as well as their counseling philosophy and even their personalities from their professional websites, too.
You can also read a therapist's reviews on different sites, like Psychology Today or Google. Another factor to consider is the therapist's availability and schedule. Make sure to check whether their availability matches your schedule. By doing thorough research and asking the right questions, you can find an online therapist in Texas who is qualified, experienced, and compatible with your needs. There is someone out there for you!
questions To Ask potential online therapist
When looking for an online therapist, it can be helpful to schedule a consultation call. At Wilson Counseling, we do offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This call gives you time to ask any questions you have. It can also help you get a sense of the therapist’s personality, communication style, and whether you feel comfortable working with them. This can help you determine if they are a good fit for you and if their approach to therapy aligns with your needs.
During a consultation call, you get the chance to ask questions about the therapist's experience and credentials. You may want to ask about their training, years of experience, and areas of specialization. Additionally, you can ask about their approach to therapy and how they normally work with clients who are dealing with the issues you have.
Here are some questions you can ask a potential therapist:
What is your approach to therapy?
How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?
How long are your therapy sessions, and how often do you recommend we meet?
What are your areas of expertise or specialization?
How do you handle emergencies or crises?
Do you offer a sliding fee scale or accept insurance?
How do you incorporate technology into your therapy practice?
Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
How do you measure progress or success in therapy?
What happens if I don't feel like we're a good fit?
Test your potential connection with the Texas online therapist
When working with an online therapist, it's important to test your compatibility with them. You want to feel comfortable and safe sharing your thoughts and feelings with your therapist. Consider how well they listen and respond to you during sessions. Do they ask thoughtful questions and offer meaningful insights? Are they able to help you feel understood and supported? Additionally, pay attention to their communication style and professionalism. You want to work with someone who is responsive, respectful, and empathetic. Again, this is kind of like dating, you won’t feel comfortable with everyone and that is okay.
Assessing your connection with your therapist can help you determine if they are a good fit for you. It can be hard to know if someone is a good fit after only speaking for 15 minutes. In fact, it may take several sessions before you feel certain that a therapist is a fit for you. But you can get an initial gut reaction after your initial consultation. You want to work with someone who you feel comfortable sharing with and who you believe can help you make progress towards your goals. If you don't feel like you have a connection with your therapist, it may be worth exploring other options. Don't be afraid to trust your gut and make a change if you feel like it's not working out.
If you have some concerns, don’t be afraid to ask hard questions. A good therapist won’t get defensive. They have likely been on the other side of the phone asking questions of their own potential therapist. They want to help you and determine if you guys are a good fit too. The right therapist is out there, and finding them can make a big difference in your mental health journey.
Before you session with your online therapist in Texas, you maybe want to read this blog post about how to get the most our of online therapy in Texas.
Steps to scheduling with an online Texas therapist
If you are struggling in your relationship, Wilson Counseling can help! Our online therapists in Texas can support you as you reconnect with your partner. Take these steps to get support and learn how to make up after emotional fights.
Give us a call today to set up a free consultation.
Schedule your first appointment for online therapy in Texas.
Make the changes you want to in your life.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to Couples Counseling & Marriage Counseling, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals we offer Anxiety Treatment, Eating Disorder Counseling, School and College Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well as Family Therapy, Parenting Counseling, Career Counseling, and Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy. Our caring therapists also offer LGBTQ+ Counseling and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you’re ready to get started, please contact Wilson Counseling today. Together we can get you to a better place.