Finding a Therapist
Episode Description
Are you looking for some help on your mental health journey? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Jessie Mertz talk about how to find a therapist, including what you should know when searching and what questions to ask when you meet a therapist for the first time. They also touch on what the letters after a therapist’s name mean, and how they apply to the type of services or treatment you might be looking for.What to Expect
- The first steps to finding a therapist
- What to expect from therapy
- How to understand a therapist’s credentials
Resources: Learn More
- “How to Choose the Right Therapist,” featuring Alexa Assimos, LCPC
- “What Do the Letters by a Therapist’s Name Mean?” by Andrew Gorrill
Things to Think About
- Referrals can be helpful, but remember that everyone has a different personality. One therapist might work great with a friend, but not with you.
- Although having a good relationship with your therapist is important, remember that the work you do outside of therapy is just as crucial to your success.
About the Hosts
Jessie Mertz provides therapy for children and adolescents. She believes that change and growth come from positive relationships and new experiences. During each session, Jessie works to ensure each child and family member feels heard, valued, and strengthened to overcome the challenges and obstacles they face.
Transcript
Finding a Therapist
Featuring Jessie Mertz, LCSW, Dakota Family Services
Tim Unsinn:
Welcome to Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services, an outpatient behavioral health clinic located in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, North Dakota. In this podcast, I will talk with our experts about understanding and nurturing our mental health and wellness. I'm your host, Tim Unsinn. Join me each episode as we explore the intricacies of our minds, decrease the stigma of mental illness, learn practical tips for managing our mental health and wellbeing, and recognize when it's time to ask for help. Join me now to mind your mind. Welcome to this episode of Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Jessie Mertz. Jessie is an outpatient therapist in Fargo and provides therapy for children and adolescents, ages two to 18. Jessie, it's great to have you on Mind Your Mind. Our topic today is finding a therapist, which is a great, great topic. However, before we get to today's topic, it's always a question I ask all of our guests, and that is why do you do what you do?
Jessie Mertz:
Well, I'm pretty lucky. I was interested in being a therapist at a pretty young age. I enjoyed listening to my friends and then just the topic of psychology is fascinating and how the brain works and how it affects our feelings, emotions, thoughts, and so I've just grown mixing the two together, learning more and more about the brain and helping kids and adults when I can.
Tim Unsinn:
Helping people, love that theme. I hear that a lot.
Jessie Mertz:
<Laugh>
Tim Unsinn:
Our topic is finding a therapist, and this is probably one of the bigger questions that I hear people ask because more and more of our mental health, we're seeking help. I guess that's the big part of that. So how do I know if a therapist is a good fit for me?
Jessie Mertz:
Unfortunately the first part is dealing with insurance. I hate that that has to be part of it, but knowing what insurance you have and figuring out what providers accept that, otherwise you're paying out of pocket. So unfortunately that comes up a lot and has to be one of the bigger issues, but you can narrow that down. Psychology today is a very good resource. You can narrow it down by your insurance or even your insurance will tell you what therapists accept what you have. So that's the least fun part. But also finding someone you think kind of would match your personality. Someone you can trust, someone who seems very genuine, empathetic. I feel like if you have a couple of sessions with someone and you're not clicking, probably time to find somebody new.
Tim Unsinn:
Early in that process though, I mean, I get the insurance piece and all that so early on in those sessions, they probably should start addressing what actually is going on with you, right? That's kind of important, that piece?
Jessie Mertz:
Oh, absolutely, yes. Well first, when you're finding someone, you can just look online and they should say some of the specialties that they have and the ages that they have and kind of narrow it down. I would say most therapists can do the cognitive behavioral therapy work with anxiety and depression, but if you have some more complex issues, either history of trauma, a lot of relational difficulties, finding someone that can focus on that. And then once you have that initial appointment, you share everything that's been going on and that therapists should be able to tell you where we're gonna go from here, what kind of modalities they use, and how they can be helpful.
Tim Unsinn:
What about referrals? You know, say for example you've got some really, really good friends, you're kind of really tight knit and they say, oh, you should see so-and-so. Or maybe you ask them, do you seek therapy? Is that an opportunity for people?
Jessie Mertz:
Oh yeah, it's, I mean if you know someone who has a great experience, of course pass that on. However, I will say just with how personalities are different and issues are different, two people may see the exact same therapist. One person will tell you they're terrible and the other one will say they walk on water. They're amazing. So referrals can be great and I mean if they're your good friends, they probably know your personality and what would be a good fit for you.
Tim Unsinn:
Alright, we see often as we we're going through the process looking for someone and there's a name and there's like a gazillion letters behind their name. The letters behind the name, how much does that matter?
Jessie Mertz:
Well, I know I've talked to friends before too and they're just overwhelmed with all these just mix of letters behind the names. So the basic part, breaking it down is the first letters right after indicate their level of education. You know, MA, MS, that means they have a master's in something. When You see that PhD or the PsyD, that's when they're the psychologists. All of those individuals can provide therapy. Psychology is different 'cause they can also do the testing and the next set of letters you see usually after the comma is their license. And so all of the therapists that can provide therapy are either currently undergoing supervision or have had at least 3000 hours of supervised practice to be able to do it independently.
Tim Unsinn:
Now as I'm thinking about seeing a therapist, what kind of questions should I be asking in that first session? I know you referred to, you know, the clicking piece of it, but is there something I need to prepare as I go in to see someone?
Jessie Mertz:
Well I feel like a lot of people come in, you know, at the very end I'll ask, do you have any questions? And it's just kind of like information overload of what they just shared. It's obviously very deep personal things they're sharing, but the questions that you know would be helpful are, what are the goals? What are we hoping to reach, how are we gonna get there? I mean really that is your time to ask the therapist any questions that you have. How long have they been doing this? What's their experience working with my issue? What are different trainings that they've had? You can ask all of those questions and your therapist should be able to answer them for you.
Tim Unsinn:
You're listening to Mind Your Mind. Our guest is Jessie Mertz. She's an outpatient therapist in Fargo providing therapy for kids and adolescents ages two to 18. Our topic is finding a therapist, you know, and as I think about a therapist and how I'm gonna go in there and I spend some time with them, is there a timeframe or should I just throw that out the window as to when I start to see or feel better?
Jessie Mertz:
Well, everybody is different and the study was in '99, but they were saying kind of the four main things that are good therapy is, one, 30% of change is having a good relationship with your therapist. 15% is the technique and another 15% is kind of this hope and expectancy you have. So some people will say, even if you haven't gotten into the heart of what's going on, you just know you're on the right path, you're going the right direction and you're feeling better because you have a positive outlook. So as far as how long therapy takes, obviously it depends on each issue, how severe it is, but ideally you would start to experience like some more positive change, I would say within the first few sessions.
Tim Unsinn:
Alright, so don't go in with rose colored glasses because every situation is different.
Jessie Mertz:
Yes. And I didn't mention the other 40% of the change is stuff that happens outside of the therapy session. Things that happen with your friends and your family and just the different environmental things that pop up into your life. And truthfully, most of the work in therapy is done outside of therapy.
Tim Unsinn:
You've been listening to Mind Your Mind, our guest has been Jessie Mertz. Jessie, it's great to have you on Mind Your Mind, appreciate the insights on finding a therapist, really some great information for us and expectations and all that stuff and how to find them to begin with. So, but before we wrap up, I always ask that final question of all of our guests and that is, what do you do to mind your mind?
Jessie Mertz:
Well, I am a pretty big introvert and so I have learned that over time I start to get stressed out and I get more frustrated if I'm with people a lot and I just need to have some time by myself. Whether that is just reading, running a quick errand by myself, I love jogging and so that's a chance to be by myself and get out there and get those endorphins going and then I feel a lot better when I'm able to do that.
Tim Unsinn:
Alright, super. Thank you Jessie. I appreciate your time and talent. Thank you for sharing that with us here on Mind Your Mind. Thank you for joining us for Mind Your Mind, a podcast presented by Dakota Family Services. You can't have health without behavioral health. Remember to mind your mind. For more information, links to additional resources, contact information, and much more, go to Dakotafamilyservices.org.
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Living with Chronic Illness
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, or have been diagnosed with one ourselves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how chronic illness can impact daily living and mental health, as well as how to seek support if you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness.;
Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Highs and Lows
Although the term ‘bipolar’ is sometimes used as slang to describe someone who is moody or indecisive, true bipolar disorder is a complex and sometimes severe mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn discusses bipolar disorder with nurse practitioner Amanda Daggett, touching on what the disorder is, what its symptoms look like, and how it can be treated.;
Social Media: Managing Emotions & Setting Boundaries
How much time do you spend each day looking at your phone? An hour or two? Multiple hours? In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with therapist Christy Wilkie to discuss how social media use can impact our mental health, relationships, and behavior. Learn tips for monitoring your child’s internet use, as well as how to manage your own time spent on social media.;
Understanding OCD
While OCD is sometimes perceived as simply a desire to keep things neat and organized, it can actually have much more severe symptoms for those who experience it. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn meets with psychologist Dr. Megan Spencer to talk about who Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects, what its signs and symptoms are, and how to seek help if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with OCD.;
Breaking Bad Habits
Bad habits can be easy to start but sometimes very difficult to stop. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and therapist Falan Johnson talk about breaking bad habits, including where habits come from, how to know if a habit is bad, and steps you can take to stop it.;
Coping with Rejection
Whether it’s from asking someone on a date or applying for a job, we all experience rejection at some point in our lives. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with therapist April Morris about how to cope with rejection, including the common coping stages, the importance of acceptance, and how rejection can impact people differently.;
Borderline Personality Disorder
Like other personality disorders, borderline personality disorder is a commonly misunderstood and stigmatized mental illness. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn talks with Lucas Mitzel, a therapist at Dakota Family Services, about what BPD is, how it affects someone’s behavior, and where to seek treatment if your child has been diagnosed with BPD.;
Psychological Assessments: What to Expect
Do you think you might be suffering from an undiagnosed mental disorder? If so, a psychological assessment might be able to help. In this episode of Mind Your Mind, psychologist Dr. Hannah Baczynski and host Tim Unsinn talk about what to expect from a psychological assessment, including what an assessment might include, what information you might receive from the psychologist, and what you should communicate with your psychologist before and after receiving an assessment.;
Supplements in Psychiatry
In this episode of Mind Your Mind, host Tim Unsinn and Amanda Daggett explore the topic of using supplements for mental health. In addition to talking about some of the most commonly used supplements like melatonin and St. John’s Wort, they also discuss the benefits, the risks, and the research surrounding various supplements.;
Seasonal Affective Disorder (Community Chat Series)
Feeling like you’ve got the winter blues? If you’re noticing symptoms of depression with the change of seasons, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. In this special Community Chat episode of Mind Your Mind, therapists Christy Wilkie and Lucas Mitzel discuss the common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, how it can affect other mental health disorders, and some useful tips, tricks, and resources for managing symptoms of SAD.;
Trying New Things With Confidence
Join Christy and Lucas, therapists at Dakota Family Services, as they share practical tips for building confidence when trying new things. From managing self-doubt to building resilience, this episode will empower you to approach new experiences with a positive mindset.;
Relationships are Hard
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore why relationships can be so hard. Join them as they discuss the characteristics of both healthy and toxic relationships, talk about the difference between normal conflict and abuse, and help you discover your love languages so you and your partner can best express your love to each other.;
Is Everybody Anxious?
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore anxiety. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder, what you can do to decrease your anxiety, and how to best help loved ones struggling with anxiety.;
Is Everyone Feeling Sad
In this episode, Christy and Lucas explore depression. Join them as they discuss the signs and symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, what you can do to help yourself feel better, and what you can do to help your loved ones. They will talk about coping strategies, therapy interventions, and ways to help you identify when your child might need extra help.;
Change is Hard
Change is inevitable. Join Christy and Lucas as they explore big and small changes and how they impact you. Learn why change can be so hard, even good change, and discover ways to manage it effectively.;
We Need to Talk About Suicide
In this episode of "Is It Just Me," Christy and Lucas discuss the very important topic of suicide. Listen to learn about risk factors, warning signs, and what you can do to help a loved one who is struggling. Remember, you are not alone. If you need immediate assistance, call 911. If you need to talk to someone, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.;
Do We Need to Get Outside?
Join Lucas and Christy as they explore the power of spending time outdoors on mental and emotional well-being. Discover practical tips, personal anecdotes, and expert insights on the benefits of getting outside and reconnecting with nature.;
Exploring ADHD
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?" Lucas and Christy discuss ADHD, shedding light on its prevalence and impact on daily life. Learn practical strategies for managing symptoms and understand why your friend or loved one with ADHD does the things they do.;
Internet Safety and Mental Health
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", join our hosts Christy and Lucas as they delve into the complex relationship between the internet and mental health. With the digital age bringing information and social connections to our fingertips, it also presents unique challenges and opportunities for our safety and psychological well-being.;
Boosting Self-Esteem: From Marathons to Daily Triumphs
In this episode of "Is It Just Me?", Christy and Lucas discuss how common it is for people to see themselves differently from others. Using their own personal triumphs and challenges as examples, they outline the things that shape our self-esteem. Additionally, they share simple daily practices to help listeners recognize and celebrate their own personal victories. This episode is filled with tips and engaging stories aimed at encouraging listeners to undertake challenges that foster self-growth and personal confidence.;