How to find a therapist
Reiki is an amazing tool for healing, and I’ve seen it work wonders for people who need to release emotions and memories that have been causing unhappiness and illness in their bodies. While I have a lot of evidence-based faith in what Reiki can do, I also passionately believe in the power of talk therapy. When paired with Reiki, talk therapy can offer people the benefit of full emotional expression.
I do have a background in psychology and enjoy helping folks both on and off the Reiki table. But whether you visit my San Jose practice or we meet online, I’m a Reiki practitioner first. Of course, I’m honored to hold space for my clients and listen attentively as experiences are shared so that we can fine tune the Reiki treatment to your unique needs. Talking a bit about what needs to be healed, before we start the session, absolutely has benefits. And I can’t tell you how much I respect you and appreciate your willingness to tell me what’s really bothering you, even when it’s hard. Truly.
That being said, we often simply do not have enough time to fully address most issues, and when I find myself wanting to spend more time offering resources and talking than doing Reiki, I take pause. And then I gently ask:
“Do you have a therapist?”
This question is often met with, “No, because…” and the reasons are pretty consistent.
I don’t know how to find a good therapist.
I don’t have time to find a therapist.
I don’t know which therapists take my insurance.
My insurance doesn’t cover therapy. I can’t afford therapy.
I don’t have time to drive to therapy.
I tried therapy before and it didn’t help me.
Yes, the whole therapy thing can feel like A LOT. But we both know that you are worth the effort. So let’s figure this out together.
Believe it or not, most of those “reasons why not” can be knocked out by visiting one of two provider search engines: Psychology Today and Open Path Collective. The majority of therapists advertise and keep their most up-to-date information available on these two sites.
Psychology Today is the most popular of all the therapy search engines. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Search Filters: Begin by visiting Psychology Today’s website and entering your location. Take advantage of their extensive search filters to narrow down your options based on factors like specialization, insurance accepted, therapy modalities, and gender/language/sexual orientation/religion. You can also choose folks who do in-person and/or virtual visits. I really can’t stress enough how helpful those search filters are!
Provider Profiles: Take the time to read about 10-15 therapist profiles. These profiles typically include a photo, a brief biography, intro videos, and links to the therapist’s own website. Once you’ve seen a few, you start to understand better what type of therapist resonates with you.
Client Reviews: Psychology Today allows clients to leave reviews, offering potentially valuable insight into a therapist’s effectiveness and rapport with clients. While reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, they can provide additional context.
Contacting Therapists: Once you’ve identified 3-5 potential therapists, reach out to them via the contact form, email, or phone to check on their availability and ask any other questions you may have. Pro Tip: Yes, you should contact at least 3-5 therapists. It’s possible/likely that a few will not be accepting new clients, simply won’t return your message, or may not be a good fit once you’ve talked to them. Having a list of 3-5 people allows you to make an informed choice. Oh, and many therapists offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and determine if they’re the right fit for you. Take advantage of the free consultations.
For those facing financial constraints, Open Path Collective is a game-changer. This nonprofit organization connects folks with affordable mental health care providers who offer sessions at reduced rates. Here’s how to get started:
Membership: Begin by becoming a member of Open Path Collective for a one-time fee of $59. This membership grants you access to a network of therapists who have agreed to provide sessions at rates between $30 and $80, making therapy more accessible for those with limited financial resources.
Therapist Directory: Once you’re a member, you can search for therapists in your area using Open Path’s directory. Similar to Psychology Today, you can filter your search based on location, specialization, and preferred therapy modalities.
Booking Sessions: Once you’ve found a therapist that meets your criteria, you can book sessions directly through the platform. Open Path simplifies the process by providing clear instructions on how to schedule appointments and manage your therapy sessions.
Flexible Payment Options: With Open Path, you have the flexibility to pay for each session directly to the therapist at the reduced rate. This eliminates the need for insurance and offers a hassle-free way to access quality mental health care at an affordable price.
Block time on your calendar this weekend, and dedicate yourself to finding a therapist. You can and will find someone you love to work with! Doing those free consultations will go a long way toward finding the right person, the first time. And if you spend 2-3 sessions with a therapist and realize they aren’t a good fit, be confident in the decision to move on quickly. Sure, telling that “origin story” over and over isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do…but it can definitely be worth it. Talk therapy can help clarify what it is you need to release, and what you want more of in your life. Combine the work you’re doing in therapy with Reiki, and you may really start to see some profound results.
I can’t wait to hear how your mental health journey is progressing! Book a Reiki session with me and we’ll get to work on boosting your holistic healing. 🙂
Love,
Michelle