div {     width: 100px;      border: 2px solid red;   }   Finding a counselor or therapist in what we often call Middle East Tennessee, specifically Maryville, TN, has become more and more challenging lately. It seems like every time we turn around, there are new houses or apartments scattered across our beautiful mountains and pastures. We know people are showing up in droves because this place and the people are awesome. The rest of the world wants to be like us, so they move here. They are correct; this place is awesome, and it is easy to live out our dreams, but even in this paradise, life sometimes blows up in our faces. Making that move from your home to this new place is stressful. Coping with the changes brought on by those who have moved here is stressful. Sometimes we just need help. Even in paradise, life gets hard. You wonder where to go for help. You need a life coach, counselor, therapist, or psychologist. You know you need something, you just are not sure what. I would like to help you find the best fit for you.
I want to help you find the best therapist in Maryville, TN for you. While the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the influx of people, finding the services you need can be a daunting task as well. We are all having to wait for the things we need in a way we never have before. You question where to begin. There are many things to consider when choosing a therapist. These considerations go well beyond asking how long you have to wait for an appointment. I have listed a few of those things below, they are not in any particular order.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Therapist


** Does gender matter? ** You want to consider the gender of your therapist. Some people prefer to speak with someone of the same gender, others feel as if they can be more open with the opposite. The only one who knows what gender is best for you, is you.
** What level of education is needed? ** I will address this more in another post, but considering the training and licensure of the provider is important as well. There are many levels and you need to choose what is best for you. You may want a “life coach,” for which no training is required. Most of us prefer someone with training but don’t know where to begin. Throughout the course of a therapist’s education, we provide services at different levels and with different levels of supervision. Students who have not graduated can provide services. Graduates who are seeking supervision to gain licensure can provide services and then there are several different licenses to consider as well. Check out my next post for more information regarding these levels and licenses.
**What is the cost?** When considering the cost of therapy, there are multiple factors. Insurance is the first thought for many people. There are different opinions about insurance, some people may want insurance to pay, and others may want to be more protective of their privacy and some don’t have insurance at all. Does the therapist take your insurance, many do not. For many therapists insurance contracts make it impossible to have a sustainable practice and the option to only take self-pay is maintained. Some therapists have other means to supplement their income and can provide services at insurance rates. Other therapists will have a hybrid practice where they do accept some insurances but not others. Currently, I have a hybrid practice and am working to negotiate with insurance to obtain sustainable rates. My goal is to remain hybrid. I am not hopeful and will let you know how it works out.
**What are the Therapist’s specialties?** Does the person you are going to see treat the problem that you have? We attend school and learn many different theories and techniques, but then we get out and learn what we do best. For example, if you are in a crisis, have had painful life experiences, have experienced trauma, or struggle to tell people “no” to the point you are miserable, you want me. I have a lot of experience and training in these areas and my colleagues tell me that I am good at it. However, I struggle with couples. I tend to make one member of the relationship feel targeted. I do well with individuals and have had several experiences with improved relationships with their spouses because of individual therapy, but I struggle with couples.
** Does the age of your therapist matter to you? ** There are pros and cons to considering the age of the therapist. Life experience may matter to you. Some people think about perspectives and believe it is difficult for a younger therapist to understand issues related to other seasons of life, for example being an empty nester. Others believe that education and expertise are more important than life experience. I am older and have been licensed for nineteen years at the time of this writing. I work hard to keep up with new practices and techniques.
** How much professional experience is needed? ** Just because your therapist is older, that does not mean she/he has a lot of experience in the field. Many adults go back to school and specialize in therapy after they have raised a family. They are new to the field, even though they may not be new to adulthood. This can be an issue when considering knowledge about available services and local processes for obtaining treatment. I mentioned earlier that age might matter, experience might matter more or less. A less experienced but older therapist with lots of life experience may be exactly what you need.
** What treatment methods are used? ** One of the most important considerations may be the treatment modality used by the therapist. There are as many theories of psychotherapy as there are therapists and then more. Most of us will say that we are client-centered, and we all should be. That means that we focus on your priorities and treat you with “unconditional positive regard.” There are other models as well, more than can be mentioned here. I will use family systems, structural family, and other family-focused therapy and we will discuss peoples’ roles in the family. However, my favorite treatment method is called Accelerated Resolution Therapy. A.R.T. uses eye movements, your imagination, relaxation, metaphors and what is almost a dream-like approach to healing. I prefer it because it is very effective in helping promote healing and change. I also prefer it because I don’t have to have all of the details for you to heal. Most of my clients reach their primary goals within the first ten sessions. There are plenty who stick around for talk therapy to grow into the healing they are experiencing, but I like that people can get well and go on with their lives.
**How long do you want to remain in psychotherapy?** Many people grow accustomed to spending their lives in weekly therapy. They find it genuinely beneficial. Some people struggle with mental health issues and spend years taking medication and getting treatment for their illness and structure their lives around this necessary treatment. Then some are just having a hard time and need a little boost. No matter where you are on this spectrum, psychotherapy can be helpful and you want to stick with the same therapist for the duration of the therapy. I doubt anyone wants to spend their entire lives in therapy, with the newer treatment methods you don’t have to, most of my clients are better within 10 sessions.
** Does my therapist believe what I believe? ** Therapists represent many belief systems. Some people don’t care, they just want help. However, an atheist might not want to participate in the spirituality of some treatment models and he/she may not want to see a therapist who relies on New Age or Christian spirituality. While licensed therapists are to respect the beliefs of their clients, for many it is important to know that their therapist does share a common belief and pursuit of similar spirituality. For example, I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I believe all that He said and did. Because I am a follower of Jesus Christ, when you come to my office I will do my best to treat you with the utmost respect, kindness, and love. I always respect your freedom to choose to believe or not and we can work together. That being said, there are things that I can’t affirm or condone, because I know that I don’t have that authority. I believe that authority belongs to God. I may be the best therapist for you, but I may not.
** Does the therapist’s personality matter? ** Absolutely! This is probably the most important question of all. Does your personality match with the therapist you are seeing? You won’t know until you have spoken with the therapist and gotten a feel for who he/she is. Do you like talking with that person? Do you feel safe and comfortable sharing your secrets? I provide a free fifteen-minute consult before your first session and one of the reasons for this consultation is to see if we are a good fit.
# ![A FREE CONSULTATION:] ( https://calendar.app.google/zwsVG83f19QSHqvK6 ) #

Conclusion: Your Journey Toward Change


You are ready to take the next steps but feel nervous about it. It’s time to talk with me, Vickie, a Counselor in Maryville, TN. It’s time to find out more. You’re looking for something to change, so let’s talk and get started with that change. I may be the right therapist for you, if not, I can direct you to someone else who will be. There is hope for a bright future, click the link to schedule a free fifteen-minute consultation. div.class_name {     word-wrap: normal;   }