Finding a Psychologist, Counselor or Therapist in Ventura, CA
Unless you’re a professional in the mental health field, you may have questions about the differences between counseling, therapy, coaching, and psychotherapy. You might also have questions about the differences between a psychotherapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, and marriage and family therapist, and wonder which is best for you. Is it best to look for marriage and relationship counseling? No wonder less than half of those suffering from anxiety and depression in the US (according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America) receive treatment. While there are differences in what these providers offer (I have another blog post on the specific differences), ultimately, finding someone you feel comfortable with and who meets a few other criteria is more important than their credentials.
I’d like to help you find therapy in Ventura.
The first thing to do when looking for a therapist is to look through directories like Psychology Today and indicate that you’re looking for therapy in Ventura. You can ask friends or relatives if they have recommendations, or do some searching on Google to find providers who have expertise in whatever area of life you’re wanting help in. Most providers offer an initial consultation, and setting up a consultation with 2-3 different providers is a good idea. For this call, you may have a ton of questions, or you might not have any idea what to ask. Whichever category you identify with, both are normal. Fortunately, all you have to do is show up for the call with a sense of why you’re looking for therapy now.
Whether you have more questions than can fit in a 15-minute consultation call or you’re not sure what to ask, read on for some guidance. I know it can be overwhelming, I’ve been there! First of all, you don’t need to have any answers yet. If you’re not sure whether CBT, psychodynamic therapy, relational therapy, Internal Family Systems, or Gottman Therapy would be best, let the specifics go. Studies have found that, regardless of the specific approach or credentials, the most effective therapy is one in which the client feels comfortable with the therapist and can build a trusting relationship. The other element is that the therapist helps the client feel understood and gain a clearer perspective on their experience. So let go of the specifics and focus on finding someone you feel comfortable with, and who is familiar and competent in what you want help with.
Your consultation will involve the therapist asking about what’s causing you to reach out, and they can ask specific questions to get a clearer picture and make sure they are the best person to help. The consultation goes both ways. It’s an opportunity for you to explore how it feels to talk with that particular provider, and to find out if you feel put at ease and comfortable, or if you feel edgy or guarded. Trust your intuition.
Use your intuition when selecting a provider.
Consider the following practical points in determining which type of provider to focus on:
How severe are your symptoms? If you have a severe mental health issue that is impacting your ability to function, consider searching for a psychologist or psychiatrist. If you know you’ll need support with medication management, look for a psychiatrist. If you are feeling so unwell that you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, call the national suicide hotline by dialing 988 for immediate phone support. You can also visit the SAHMSA website and call their number 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year to get immediate support finding local services.
Counselors and Therapists have very similar roles, and often provide the same services. Sometimes their licenses differ, such as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Counseling tends to be short-term and targets a single stressor. Therapy is often longer-term, and is a better choice for those with relational or developmental trauma, or for anyone wishing to get help with longstanding anxiety or depression symptoms.
Life coaching can be a helpful tool to get help moving forward in a particular area without processing any related trauma or mental illness. A life coach will help you set and reach goals in a specific area of life, like work, parenting, running a business, or relationships. Unlike the other providers listed above, life coaches are not regulated by a code of ethics or a licensing board.
Additionally, consider the cost of services and if you can afford their fee for weekly sessions. Does their location, whether in person or online, work for you and your needs? Is their schedule compatible with yours? There are so many options out there, and you are always welcome to change your mind.
Each provider will have their own style. Some may be more thinking-oriented, suggesting homework and close tracking of progress. Some are more intuitive and feelings-oriented, focusing less on outer progress and more on how you’re feeling overall. In my practice, I help clients build the capacity to understand their own thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. In treating parents with relational trauma, I help my clients build compassion for themselves and their unique struggles, improve self-care practices, and build new patterns in relationships. My work uses both behavioral interventions- because sometimes, especially as parents, new approaches to raising toddlers and young children are invaluable and can make a big difference quickly- and relational support in exploring thoughts, feelings, and memories, to heal the roots of anxiety.
I hope this post helps you as you find therapy in Ventura and feel more prepared for what to expect in your search. We all need support, and with everyone experiencing some level of stress and anxiety at some point in adulthood, learning how to seek support when it’s needed is a valuable skill on its own. Whatever you’re going through, you deserve someone skilled and capable of helping you reach your goals and feel supported in the process.