Finding a therapist is similar to finding any other medical provider, lawyer or financial advisor: difficult! Most people start by talking with their friends and family when seeking legal or financial advice. Looking for a therapist requires more vulnerability and the possibility of feeling shame.
Therapy works best when there is an ongoing relationship of trust between therapist and client. Research from the American Psychological Association confirms the correlation between therapist empathy, warmth, and genuineness and more positive outcomes for clients. Working with a therapist involves a balance of both safety and challenge to foster growth. To find the therapist who will be the right fit for you, we encourage you to take some time to interview several providers. Many offer initial consultations, chances to meet and learn about one another, and personal experience before committing to ongoing therapy. You may need to try a few sessions before making your decision. Consider these points when deciding if a therapist is for you:
- Do they seem interested and curious about you and your experiences?
- Can they tell you how they plan to work with and support you?
- Do they seem to be listening and respectful?
- Do they recognize and treat any racial, cultural or gender differences between you as important?
- Do you understand what they are recommending?
- Do they promote a collaborative approach to counseling in which your lived experience is valued?
One of the most appealing things about Gestalt Therapy Theory is that it can be interwoven with many other types of therapies. Gestalt Therapy Theory lays the foundation for a relational way of being, and can be used in conjunction with EMDR, CBT, DBT, Somatic therapies, Hypnotherapy, etc.
GTIP is comprised of therapists who study, work with and live by the principles of Gestalt Therapy Theory. We recommend you consider a trial of therapy for your particular need. Look around this website, meet some of our faculty and supervisors and talk to us.