What's the Big Deal? Therapy for Women of Color

“Take care of your mind, after all it’s the only place you have to live in.”

Don’t believe the hype! Therapy can be a great source of healing for all people, even us brown girls despite the stigma in our community. So you've made the decision to go to therapy! That's amazing and congratulations for taking the first step in healing. But now you're faced with the task of finding a therapist to work with. This doesn't have to be daunting. Start with calling to interview therapists you are considering over the phone before committing and use these 3 tips to help find the best therapist for you.

1. Look for specialists.

Save time when searching for a therapist by searching for a therapist that specializes in the specific issue you are seeking therapy for. All therapist are generally trained in most emotional and mental health issues, therefore finding one that specializes in what you are dealing with will not only save you time but guarantee that you get the best care. So when searching online or asking for referrals be sure to use keywords that relate to your problem. When interviewing therapists ask them about their specialty and make sure its a good fit for you. Furthermore interview your potential therapist about their cultural competence to make sure they are expertly qualified to treat women of color!

2. Don't feel confined by your insurance network.

It is a myth that going through your insurance plan is the only affordable way to attain therapy. Furthermore, insurance is not set up to foster the best therapy; it is designed to save the insurance companies money.  There are several highly qualified therapists that offer sliding scales to their customers, making therapy very affordable. Also therapists registered as psychological assistants, are able to charge significantly reduced fees while they are working towards their licensure, giving clients the opportunity to save big bucks while receiving quality therapy. When you go in for a consultation with a therapist, ask them if they offer a sliding scale and don't hesitate to negotiate a fee that you feel is fair with therapists you interview.

3. Notice how you feel when talking with the therapist.

One of key factors of success for therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. So follow your gut and take stock of your first impressions of each therapist you interview. It is important you feel comfortable with your new therapist and your first intuition is usually a good indicator of how you will relate with your therapist in the future. And if you are unsure about something you are sensing, I encourage you to ask the therapist questions to  better clarify any preconceived concerns.

I hope this helps you begin this amazing journey, and HAPPY HEALING!

Also if you are looking for a supplement to therapy read Tiffany's blog about the Benefits of Meditation, to learn how to increase your happiness even further.