How to Choose a Therapist in Encinitas: Questions Worth Asking

When people reach out to me for the first time, many of them say they spent weeks looking at profiles before sending a single message. Every therapist seemed kind. Every website used similar words. It was hard to know where to start.

If you are searching for a therapist in Encinitas right now, here is what I would want a friend to know.

The relationship matters most

Research on therapy has found again and again that the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of whether therapy helps. Method matters, and training matters, but feeling understood and safe with the person across from you matters a great deal. It is fine to choose someone partly because they simply feel easy to talk to.

What the letters after a name mean

In California, therapists are licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. An AMFT, like me, is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has finished a graduate degree, is registered with the state, and practices under the supervision of a licensed clinician while earning hours toward licensure. You can look up any California therapist's license on the Board of Behavioral Sciences website.

Questions to ask before you book

Most therapists are glad to answer questions before a first session. A few that tend to be useful:

• Do you work with the concern I am bringing, such as anxiety, grief, or relationship conflict?
• What does a typical session with you look like?
• Do you see individuals, couples, families, or all three?
• What are your fees, and do you work with my insurance or offer superbills?
• What times do you have available?

How to tell if the fit is right

After the first two or three sessions, check in with yourself. Do you leave feeling heard, even when the conversation was hard? Do you feel you can disagree with your therapist or tell them something is not working? If the answer is no, it is completely reasonable to say so, or to look for someone else. A good therapist will not take it personally.

Starting therapy in Encinitas

I see individuals, couples, and families at my office on El Camino Real in Encinitas. If you are not sure whether we would be a good fit, the Good Therapy San Diego intake team can answer questions and help you decide. You can also read more about how I work before you reach out.