Finding an Anxiety Therapist That’s Right for You

Finding a therapist is a daunting task. Where to begin? What to look for? Matters may become even more confusing if you are looking for a therapist that specializes in a specific area, like anxiety.

 This is a feeling Alyssa Petersel is very familiar with. In fact, it inspired her to found My Wellbeing, an online therapy matchmaking service, and wellness company. 

Here she shares the nitty-gritty details about how to find the right therapist for you, techniques to look for that target anxiety and what resources are available for the search! 

“If you or somebody you know is wrestling with anxiety, know that it is shockingly normal and seeking support is a privilege that can really help. If nothing anything therapy is a weekly outlet where you can say anything and everything on your mind and receive personalized support.”

Alyssa Petersel, Found of My Wellbeing

Who is the “Right” therapist for you?

That sounds like a loaded question, especially if you aren’t familiar with the process. Alyssa brakes down the essential things to look for when setting out to find a therapist. Three major categories stood out immediately – Connection, Training, and Technique.

 Each person is unique, which means who you select as a therapist will be too. What worked for your mother, best friend, or uncle may not work for you, and that’s okay! 

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Connection 

 “Connection is not a bullet-point list,” Alyssa explains, “Chemistry and rapport are responsible for 70% of if your therapy works.” Her guiding principle above all else is finding a therapist that you can see building a genuine relationship with. 

Find a human you like. You need to be comfortable enough with your therapist to open up.  

Alyssa suggests asking yourself, “Would I like to see them again?” And be honest about your response, there is no wrong answer! 

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Training and Credentials 

 A variety of therapists are trained to treat anxiety. Before working with a therapist, verify that they are licensed and certified in your state or area. 

Below information below provided by the Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

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Technique and Style 

Since connection can sometimes be hard to gauge, it’s helpful to look for therapists who are trained in specific anxiety techniques. 

According to Alyssa, some techniques to consider are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Body-Based Treatment.   

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavior Therapy is a type of psychotherapy or talk-therapy. Alyssa elaborates that CBT “challenges thought patterns that can lead to a sense of overwhelm.” 

Therapists help clients become aware of untrue or negative thought patterns so that they view situations more accurately and respond accordingly. (1)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a skill-based therapy which means the lessons learned will need to be practice at home. (2)

 “If your thoughts are spinning or are widdling you into a hole, your therapist will help you break through some of those thought patterns.”

Alyssa Petersel, Founder of My Wellbeing

The Association of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapists states that there is no “single-definition” of how to practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. (2) Psychologists, Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatrists, and Professional Counselors are all professionals they may be trained in cognitive behavioral therapy.

Body-Based Treatments 

Body-Based Treatments are part of Somatic Psychology. This treatment is founded on the idea that humans experience the world through thought, emotion, and simultaneously through the body. (3) These techniques may include centering, grounding, breathwork, and bodywork. 

Somatic Experiencing 

Somatic Experiencing allows natural thoughts and feelings to emerge in a significantly less overwhelming way. This experience takes place in a safe and supported environment with a therapist that you trust.

“That somatic experiencing can help you tap into the physical sensations of the anxiety and achieve a sense of catharsis – less burdened and weighed down.”  

Alyssa Petersel, Founder of My Wellbeing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Alyssa explains that EMDR is “incredibly effective in processing trauma and PTSD” that can “lead to trapped sensations and anxiety.” 

EMDR is a type of psychotherapy that was initially created to treat stress related to traumatic memories. (4) This eight-phase treatment works through repetitive, disturbing, and damaging mental processes that sever the healing process of emotional trauma. (4) 

“EMDR helps through a physical catharsis to process the anxiety and release some of the repeating feelings from early trauma.” 

Alyssa Petersel, Founder of My Wellbeing

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How to Find a Therapist?

Okay, now you know what to look for in a therapist BUT where can you actually find one. Alyssa gives us some quick tips on where to look when beginning your search for a competent therapist. 

1. Ask friends, loved ones, and peers.

If you have a network of loved ones, that you are comfortable reaching out to, start there. Your friends and family probably know you the best and can help recommend people that they are familiar with.

Alyssa reminds us that, “You don’t always necessarily feel safe to do that [reach out to friends and family], which is completely normal. You are not alone.” 

2. Use Online Resources  

“MyWellbeing is certainly a resource you can use to find a therapist. Particularly in New York, which is where we are live right now,” explains Alyssa. 

When using My Wellbeing, you share information about your preferences, and they return three personalized matches curated to your needs. Leaving out all the digging!

You can also search on databases suggested by the Association for Behavior and Cognitive Therapies. (4) 

• Call us, the Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Our referral is found at www.abct.org.
• Call the university psychology, social work, or medical school psychiatry departments in your area and ask for a referral. Ask to speak with someone in clinical or counseling psychology or the chairperson of the department of psychiatry.
• Call your local community mental health clinic
• Look in the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, published by the Council of National Health Service Providers in Psychology
• Review the National Association of Social Workers Register of Clinical Social Workers published by the National Association of Social Workers
• Look at the American Board of Professional Psychology
• Review the Academy of Cognitive Therapy

3. Look through an insurance provider. 

If you have health insurance, your provider may have a list of therapists in your area. When reaching out to an insurance provider, be aware it may take some “endurance” with multiple calls to get a list of around 5 names to investigate and reach out to.

If you get frustrated with this process, you are preaching to the choir. Alyssa notes, “Keep in mind it is a complicated system that is not optimized for therapy.” 

4. Ask around at work 

Many companies now include mental health services in benefits packages offered to employees. Reach out to your HR team to verify what your place of work offers. Some companies even have in house therapists or a list of recommendations for therapists in the area.

Alyssa is excited about how company culture is shifting when saying, “Workplaces are prioritizing mental health more now than ever before.”

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About Alyssa and My Wellbeing

Alyssa is the Founder of My Wellbeing which, “Helps people connect to the right therapist and helps therapists grow and manage their business.” Both she and the organization are passionate about how therapy can help you grow in your relationships, in life, and at work.

Alyssa and her team would love to help you find a therapist, especially if you are located in the New York area. You can DM them at @FindMyWellbeing on Instagram, send an email to connect@mywellbeing.com or learn more at mywellbeing.com.