Therapist St. Paul: How to Find the Right Counselor for You
Takeaway: Deciding to start therapy is a big step, and it can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. In this post, I explain how to find and choose the therapist in St. Paul, MN that’s right for your needs.
If you're considering starting therapy, chances are you know that something in your life needs to change. Whether you want help with managing mental health symptoms, need support navigating relationship issues, or simply want to support your personal growth, therapy can help.
At the same time, change can be intimidating. You might feel unsure of how to start the process and whether or not you'll be able to find a therapist you really connect with. Rest assured, it's normal to have these thoughts and feelings.
That's why I created this comprehensive guide to finding therapists in Saint Paul, MN. As a therapist myself, I'm deeply familiar with the process of starting mental health treatment and how to find a therapist who's a good fit. Hopefully, getting a better understanding of where to begin and what to look for can help you feel more confident and make an informed decision about your care.
Let's dive in!
Everything you need to know about finding a therapist in Saint Paul
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the process of starting therapy, know that you're not alone. Many people feel this way when beginning their journey. However, it is possible to make the changes you need to finally have the sense of freedom you've been craving. Learning about the process is a great first step.
Why find a therapist in Saint Paul, MN?
Everyone starts therapy for different reasons, and there's no right or wrong motivation to seek professional help. When researching Saint Paul therapists, it's important to connect to your own unique "why." Being clear on your reason for starting counseling will help guide your decisions throughout the process. Here are just a few examples of why people work with therapists.
You'll feel better
Mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression, are one of the main reasons why people start therapy. People also seek support for difficult life circumstances, like work stress or divorce. Thankfully, therapy can help people work through these challenges. In fact, research shows that therapy can significantly improve a person's mood and thought process.
Your physical health can improve
As you might know firsthand, mental health issues go beyond emotional and psychological symptoms. They can take a physical toll as well. For example, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) identifies headaches, stomach problems, and sleep issues as some common symptoms of anxiety. By addressing the underlying mental health concerns, your physical health can improve as well.
You'll have better relationships
Relationship issues are another common reason for seeking therapy. Challenges with your partner, family, friends, or colleagues can weigh on you and make it difficult to function in your day-to-day life. Working with a therapist can help you gain insight into your relationship patterns and make the shifts you need to feel more connected to those around you.
You'll perform better at work
When you're stuck in a negative headspace or distracted by constant worry, it can be difficult to concentrate and be productive. Therapy can help you get to the root of these issues, and research shows that it can improve a person's functioning at work.
Where to look for therapists in Saint Paul
Now that you've reconnected to your reasons for seeking therapy, you can dive into your search. There are many different resources you can use to find a therapist in Saint Paul, MN—here are just a few.
Search engines
Using a search engine like Google is a highly effective way to find therapists. You can keep it general by using search terms like "therapist St. Paul," which will show you plenty of options for all kinds of different therapists. If you're looking for a specific type of therapist, you can use more specific search terms to narrow down your results.
Directories
Many people also use directories like Psychology Today or TherapyDen to find therapists in St. Paul, MN. With most directories, you can apply different filters for things like the therapist's specialty, whether they accept insurance, and the type of therapy they offer.
Social media
Beyond having their own website and directory profiles, many therapists also have social media accounts that they use to market themselves. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and even Facebook can be great spaces to find potential therapists.
Referrals
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of searching for Saint Paul therapists online, consider asking for a referral. Your primary care doctor (or other service providers) may be aware of local therapists they can connect you with. If you're comfortable, you can also ask people in your personal life if they know a therapist or group practice that might be a good fit for you.
How to determine which St. Paul therapists are right for you
Finding a therapist is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. The right therapist for you might not be a good fit for someone else. During your search, you'll want to take several factors into account in order to determine which professional can be most helpful for your situation. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Assess the logistics
Before getting into the specifics of whether a therapist is the right fit for you, you'll want to assess logistics. Do they have openings? Does their availability align with yours? Is their office located in a convenient place, or do they offer online therapy? Can you afford their rate? Making sure that your logistical needs will be met is an essential part of deciding whether or not to move forward with a particular therapist.
Determine which type of therapist you want
While all therapists have extensive education, knowledge, and experience, it's important to narrow down exactly which type of professional you're looking for. There are several different types of therapists. During your search, you might see the following credentials:
Licensed professional clinical counselor
Licensed marriage and family therapist
Licensed clinical social worker
Licensed alcohol and drug counselor
Psychologist
Some of these credentials are more specific than others. For example, a drug and alcohol counselor specialized in substance abuse issues. A marriage and family therapist (like me!) has a special understanding of relationships and family dynamics. While each therapist might have a different approach, it can be helpful to identify the kind of credentials you're looking for.
Narrow down treatment approach
Therapists are also trained in different sorts of methods. Many therapists use a combination of different techniques, customizing a client's treatment plan to their goals and preferences. Here are some examples of the approaches that a therapist might use:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP)
Narrative therapy
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
Solution-focused therapy
Some methods are often used to treat specific mental health symptoms. For example, EMDR is usually used to help people heal from trauma. DBT is often used to help people with borderline personality disorder. Other approaches can be applied more broadly. Some can even be used across individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy settings.
Doing a bit of research about different therapy methods can help you find which ones resonate most with you and your circumstances. This can allow you to narrow down which therapists might be a good fit for your needs.
Feel out the connection
A strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for effective therapy. While it takes time to build a connection with your therapist, you'll want to assess how you feel about your potential therapist's vibe. Are you looking for someone more clinical and serious? Would you prefer to work with a therapist who's more outgoing and engaging? There's no right or wrong answer. It's all about who you'll connect best with.
Of course, it can be hard to determine whether or not you resonate with a professional before you actually meet them. However, you might be able to pick up on their energy from their website, directory listing, or social media profile.
From here, you can create a short list of Saint Paul therapists who you'd like to learn more about. Many therapists offer free consultations so you can ask questions and hear more about their approach.
What to talk about in your initial consultation with therapists in Saint Paul, MN
As a therapist myself, I recommend scheduling consultation calls with a few different therapists. This can help you get a strong sense of who you might work well with. Consultations are typically free and often last about fifteen to thirty minutes.
During the consultation, a potential therapist will be able to answer any questions you might have about the therapeutic process, their specific approach, and logistics like scheduling availability. You can also tell the therapist a bit about why you're seeking therapy to get their take on whether they can effectively support you.
Pay attention to how you feel when talking with each professional. Do you feel heard? Does the therapist seem friendly? Again, it will take time to develop a therapeutic relationship with any professional, but you can often get a sense of whether you'll connect with a therapist as soon as you meet them.
It's also important to remember that you don't need to make a decision about whether to move forward during the call itself. You can tell potential therapists that you'll reach back out in a few days to let them know what you decide after you've had time to think it over.
You might also start working with a therapist and realize you're not a great fit for each other after all. While this can feel awkward or frustrating, it can be a normal part of the therapy experience. Be open with your therapist about how you're feeling, and know that you may have to try a few therapists before finding one you love.
Put your mental health first with a therapist in St. Paul
As an anxiety therapist in Minneapolis and St. Paul myself, I know how daunting and overwhelming the search can be. However, you're on the right track. You've identified that something in your life needs to change, and you're doing something about it. That deserves recognition!
I'm a feminist therapist who specializes in helping women break through the barriers that are holding them back. Many of my clients identify as perfectionists whose high standards have helped them get far in life. Yet, they're craving a sense of freedom and want to learn how to embrace their imperfections.
Sound familiar? I can help. I take a direct, highly involved approach to therapy. I'm not a "sit and listen" kind of therapist. Rather, I'm passionate about engaging with my clients to discover what's important to them and which tools and techniques will help them live a life in alignment with those values.
Ready to get started? Me, too! If it sounds like we might be a good fit for each other, I encourage you to request a free consultation to learn more about my approach and how I can help. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you along your journey of personal growth.