10 things to do to get the right help

1 If paying through insurance, have insurance information available if possible to make it easier to schedule initial appointment.

2 Ask questions about practice hours, location, policies, consent for treatment, confidentiality and/or any legal issues.

3 Make sure your questions are answered openly and honestly.

4 Briefly talk about what is bothering you.

5 Determine if therapist has familiarity, training and experience for the issues you need help with.

6 Determine if counselor makes sense to you, respects you and honestly challenges and supports the behavioral changes you are seeking help with.

7 Make sure the communication, attention and relationship focus on you and your goals.

8 Pay attention to how you feel, it's normal to feel nervous, but you should also feel comfortable with the relationship.

9 Make sure the therapist focuses on both the underlying reasons for your problems while also focussing on current changes you need to make.

10 Congratulate yourself for searching for the right help on your journey!