SEATTLE — Finding a good therapist is like finding a good coach when you're learning to swim: They'll make sure you're comfortable, teach you different skills and show you how to analyze your strokes so you swim farther and more confidently. Just like a coach, they will also push you to do better and pull you out of the water if you're struggling.
But finding a good therapist can be challenging: From deciphering opaque insurance policies to making dozens of calls only to be put on waitlists, the experience is rarely smooth. Even after finding a therapist, many people wonder what the process is like, how to gauge if it's working, and when to wrap up.
The reality is therapy is challenging, internal and often intangible work. It looks different for everybody. On one end of the spectrum it can help you deal with the daily stressors of life no matter how small, or help you process past traumas. On the other end, talk therapy can also be vital for some people with severe mental illnesses.
