Choosing a Therapist: Going with your Gut

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting experience, but I have found several strategies to be helpful. 

There are many different areas to look at:

1. Ask those around you. This can start with recommendations through doctors as well as teachers and other professional staff that you come in contact with. Through these contacts you may have a wide list of references.

2. Parent contacts-who has had good or bad experiences and why? Who is close to where you live or go to school?

3. Find persons in areas of expertise that are applicable to your child-Who works with handwriting? Who is really good with really young children/older children? Who has a knowledge of sensory integrative practice? Who works in a private practice, a home intervention or a hospital setting?

4. Finally- and unfortunately –Who is covered by my insurance?  What other resources can I find? Don’t forget private organizations like the Shriners, Knights of Columbus or Scottish Rites too.

Once you have narrowed it down-then you go with your gut. I have found life-long partnerships with therapists that I have worked with over the years and I knew in a matter of minutes if this was someone I could collaborate with either as a parent or professional. Going with your gut shouldn’t be gut wrenching, but it takes some time and a little bit of legwork. You will find it ultimately to be worth your while and of great benefit to your child.