How to find a therapist in Austin

Finding a therapist is pretty difficult. There are so many different types of licenses and certifications. Going through Psychology Today kind of feels like reading through a different language. Through my master’s program I’ve learned a few things that I think might be helpful is your search.

Licenses

The most common licenses that counselors hold in Texas are LPC, LMFT, LCSW, PsyD, and Psychologist. Basically, any of those can specialize in working with couples. So, it really comes down to the counselor’s experience and niche. However, the training varies for all of them, which, in my opinion, produces a different type of therapist. I think the best way to know which works best for you is to interview your therapist before starting with them. Many therapists offer a consult before you start counseling with them, and I insist you take advantage of that! Sometimes, it might even take a few sessions to see if a therapist is the right fit for you and your partner. But getting along with your counselor is SO important because the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important factors in healing.

Credentials

There are many credentials that therapists can get in addition to their license. These mean that they have gone through additional training in that particular subject. If you are looking for a therapist to help with a substance abuse issue, look for a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). If you are looking for someone to incorporate sex therapy, look for a Certified Sex Therapist (CST). Although, I think sex therapy could be helpful to all couples.

Philosophies

Counselors usually practice from a specific “lens” or theory. Most people have heard of Freud’s psychoanalysis but there’s actually countless more modalities. Currently, some of the most popular theories to use for couples are Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Couple’s Therapy, Imago, Feminist, Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Relational Cultural Theory (RCT). I encourage you to research them a little bit to see which one you would like to experience.

Referral Networks

Aside from Psychology Today, it could be helpful to look at local referral networks. For example, EFT has an Austin chapter which lists therapists that have completed some EFT training. The Gottman Institute also has a referral network that lists therapists that have completed some Gottman trainings. The accrediting association for sex therapists (AASECT) also lists CSTs on their website. You can find these referral networks through a quick google search of what you are looking for, your city, and “referral network”.

Consultations

I mentioned this briefly above, but it’s so important that you and your partner get along with the therapist you chose. It seems to me like the best way to go about this is to schedule a consult with several therapists and pick one that you’d like to meet with in-person. If the interaction feels easy, gives you hope, and makes you feel safe then you might have found your therapist. If not, then schedule more consultations and try again. Finding a therapist might be a lengthy process, but once you find one that works for you and your partner, it’ll be so worth it!!

I hope this post has been at least a little helpful in clarifying this confusing process. Best of luck in your search!