My name is Rena Pollak.  I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified Group Psychotherapist.  Here are some tips to help you to find the right therapist for you. 

How to Choose the Right Therapist for You

The logistics of a therapist’s office location, availability, insurance coverage and fee may be very critical in your decision-making.  However, the most important aspect of choosing a therapist is whether you feel comfortable with them.  If you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist it will be difficult to open up and let them know what’s troubling you.

Read their website

One way to find out if you feel comfortable with a therapist is to do exactly what you’re doing now.  Read their website and try to get a sense of their personality, interests and therapeutic style.  Usually website will have an “About” page that talks about their education, background and approach.  Here’s mine: About Rena

Read their blog

If a therapist has a blog that’s an even better way to get more insight into who they are.  Consider the topics that they choose to write about.  Do they write on topics that relate to the issues for which you’re seeking help?  Do you find the articles helpful?

Here’s an example of a pep talk that I wrote in one of my favorite blogs: Your Independence Day: Conquering Your Negative Beliefs

E-mail probably won’t work

Most therapists don’t engage in e-mail conversations.  One reason for this is because therapists are responsible for protecting your confidentiality.  E-mail, unless the therapist is using a special program for encryption, is not protected.

Talk to the therapist on the phone

Additionally, you can get a much better sense of a person from hearing their voice on the phone or meeting with the in person.  I offer a free 15 minute consultation.

Schedule a session

Meeting with someone in person is the very best way to get to know them.  It can be helpful to prepare a list of questions for the therapist or just plan on telling the therapist what you are hoping to work on in therapy and see what it feels like to share this information with them.

Make a commitment to yourself

You deserve to get the help you need.  You’re well-being is important.

If you would like to talk on the phone, contact Rena Pollak, LMFT for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I provide therapy for individuals, couples and groups in my Encino office.