Every person’s curative journey is different. And counseling is one of the easiest way you can choose to understand the relation between any abuse and your current behaviors and feelings. Finding a counselor is an easy process, but it’s not that easy to figure out if you have found one who is right for you. There are some points to consider when choosing the right counselor:

• Examine your options, you do not have to settle for the first therapist you meet.
• Prepare a list of questions you should definitely have an answer for. Some questions are:

1. Can the counselor clearly define how he or she can help you to solve whatever issue or concern has brought you to therapy?

Experienced counselors first give you a basic road map of how they will work with you, why, how long it is likely to take and how will you know when therapy is finished.

2. How do you feel when you sit with the therapist?

You should feel comfortable and safe talking with the counselor. Unless there is trust between the two of you, counseling won’t really work.

3. What philosophy and strategy counselor used?

Does your counselor approach human beings in a compassionate and optimistic way? Does he or she believe humans are born loving and lovable?

4. Does your counselor really understand your problem?

You may not be able to explain your problems clearly. It’s the role of your counselor to understand exactly what you are facing.

5. Is the counselor licensed?

There are many unlicensed therapists who have years of experience and do excellent work, but licensed counselors have jumped through more hoops and have undergone more extensive supervision than unlicensed counselors.

6. Does the counselor follow regular peer consultation?

Regular peer consultation and supervision helps a counselor revise their cases, find their own blind spots and see when their own issues are getting in the way.

7. Does the counselor makes guaranties and commitments?

It is very important for the counselor to provide hope for motivating the patient but not absolute unconditional guaranties.

• Be Patient. It generally takes time to find the right counselor who fits your needs.