Navigating Therapy: Finding Your Right Path to Healing and Support

Embarking on a journey of therapy is a commendable step towards prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being. As a motherhood counselor, I understand the importance of finding the right therapist who aligns with your needs and aspirations. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of finding the perfect therapist for you, including questions to ask during consultations and how to advocate for the support you need to navigate your unique journey towards healing and growth.

The Search for the Right Therapist

Know Your Needs: Begin by clarifying your goals for therapy. Are you seeking support for perinatal anxiety, postpartum depression, or other concerns? Understanding your needs will help you find a therapist who specializes in the areas you require assistance with.

Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or healthcare providers for therapist recommendations. Personal referrals can provide valuable insights into a therapist's approach and effectiveness.

Online Research: Utilize online resources to explore therapists in your area. Many therapists have websites or profiles that detail their specialties, approach, and credentials.

Questions to Ask During Consultations

What is Your Approach to Therapy? Understanding the therapist's approach – whether it's acceptance and commitment therapy, a brain based modality like brainspotting or EMDR, or another modality – will help you assess if it aligns with your preferences.

Here at Fulfilled Motherhood Counseling we used evidence based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that have been proven to help with anxiety, depression, PTSD and more.

Do You Have Experience with Perinatal Concerns? If you're seeking support for perinatal issues, inquire about the therapist's experience in this area. Specific expertise can make a significant difference in your therapeutic journey.

Kylee Nelson is PMH-C certified, meaning she has taken the required training and has extensive experience to be certified by Postpartum Support International as a perinatal mental health clinician. She has been working exclusively with perinatal women since January 2020.

What is Your Availability? Ensure that the therapist's schedule aligns with yours. Discuss session frequency, preferred timings, and any potential flexibility.

At Fulfilled Motherhood Counseling we offer in person and online session between 9-2:30 Mountain Time M,T,W and F.

What Are Your Credentials and Experience? Inquire about the therapist's educational background, licensure, and years of experience. This information can instill confidence in their expertise.

Kylee Nelson is a licensed marriage and family therapy in both Oklahoma and Colorado. Kylee has been working in the mental health field since 2010, graduated from her masters in marriage and family therapy program and has been working as a therapist since 2013. In 2020, after her own experience with mental health struggles as a new mom, Kylee Nelson opened up Fulfilled Motherhood Counseling offering evidence based, supportive therapy to women during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

How Do You Handle Confidentiality? Confidentiality is crucial in therapy. Understand the therapist's approach to confidentiality and how your information will be safeguarded.

What you share in therapy is private, with a few exceptions. If you share anything re: child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and neglect or that you want to hurt yourself or someone else, these are all things that a therapist has to report.

What Is Your Fee Structure? Discuss the therapist's fees, payment methods, and whether they accept insurance. This will help you assess if their services are within your budget.

Kylee Nelson accepts many insurance and can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance if she is out of network. Kylee also accepts private pay clients and has a limited number of reduced fee spots for clients without insurance or with insurances that Kylee is not in network with. See the Counseling for Moms page for more info on fees and insurances accepted.

Advocating for Your Needs

Be Open About Your Goals: Clearly communicate your therapy goals, whether it's managing anxiety, improving relationships, or finding coping strategies. This helps the therapist tailor their approach to your needs.

Express Preferences: If you have preferences regarding the therapeutic approach, communication style, or even the therapist's gender, voice these preferences to ensure you're comfortable during sessions.

Discuss Progress: Regularly communicate with your therapist about your progress and any concerns you might have. This collaboration ensures that you're both on the same page about your journey.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If something feels unclear or uncomfortable during therapy, don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification. Your therapist is there to guide and support you.

Feedback Matters: If a particular approach or technique doesn't resonate with you, provide feedback to your therapist. A skilled therapist will adapt their approach to better suit your needs.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As a perinatal mental health counselor, I encourage you to be proactive in seeking the support you deserve. By asking the right questions during consultations and advocating for your needs throughout your therapeutic journey, you're taking essential steps towards your mental and emotional well-being. Remember, therapy is a partnership – a collaborative effort between you and your therapist to explore, heal, and grow. Your unique journey deserves tailored support, and with the right therapist by your side, you're on the path to positive transformation.