Everyone benefits from therapy, but not every person should see the same therapist. If this enriching relationship is going to be life-altering, it ought to be a good fit. Think back to those colorful shaped pegs from your childhood. No matter how hard you tried, the star-shaped peg would never fit into the square-shaped hole.
People are not pegs, nor is therapy a plastic toy. But the concept is the same. Everybody is unique, owning their own shape and color and flavor, and every therapist has their own specialties and focuses and strengths. If someone is reaching out for mental health care, then they ought to be able to find it efficiently and pleasantly. That’s where referrals come in.
Networking is done a million different ways, and depending on your circle, you may never interact with someone in a different sphere. (Again, think back to the pegs. See how powerful the things from our childhood are?!) Why should therapists let old standards influence the care a patient receives?
There is no wrong door to the right services. There is no wrong therapist, even if they are not the right fit. How so? That peg can be taken to a whole different box where it may fit in several different holes. The important part is getting the peg to the box.
Don’t get distracted or frustrated whenever things become challenging or different than what you initially expected! Your feelings and opinions are valid, but if you withdraw yourself completely, then getting the best care you deserve isn’t possible.
Therapists’ goals are to market their authentic self; we all acknowledge that we cannot be all things to all people. This is why clinicians have awesome connections with other phenomenal practitioners. Connecting with other mental health clinicians is part of offering the best care to all patients.
If your therapist refers you to another clinician, it is not a knock on you. They are simply using their best judgment to suggest that their skills, modality, or personality is not the best fit for your own growth and wellness.
Reports indicate that as high as 57 percent of clients drop out of therapy after their first visit, and up to 45 percent go after their second visit. There are many reasons why this could be the case, but one very controllable factor is the alignment of the client and clinician. If connection isn’t there, that’s okay.
Inviting patients to seek out a better fit therapist is a daunting task for clinicians and patients alike, but it could be so simple. Who better to navigate the various licensures, therapies, and focus areas than the therapists themselves?
The mental health ecosystem grows and succeeds when we work together. Informed and connected mental health clinicians are the best at referring to other therapists because they’re already in the ecosystem.
Just remember, mental health clinicians are seasoned professionals. You can trust them to help point you in the right direction. After all, the hardest part of navigating the mental health ecosystem is just getting through the door. Once you’re in, getting to the best fit clinician is way simpler.
If you are seeking mental health care, we’d love to connect with you to see if we are a great fit for you, or help you find someone who is. Get started with us at www.FindMindful.com today! For other options in the North Texas area, check out www.FeelBetterFortWorth.com for amazing mental health practices and local small businesses!
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