When considering anxiety counseling or stress therapy, it's a good idea to do some research. You can ask your personal physician for recommendations. Word of mouth and positive experiences from friends or family may be another source of information. However you decide, it's best to choose a counselor who is board certified and experienced in clinical psychology or stress management.
In choosing your ideal source of anxiety counseling, you may be tempted to make your selection entirely based on which therapists accept your type of insurance. While financial concerns may play a role, this should not be your deciding factor. To treat your anxiety or depression, find someone who can provide the encouragement, support, and guidance for you to handle your stress. Just because a therapist is qualified and has the necessary license and credentials to practice does not always mean he will be the ideal choice. Personality conflicts may cause a negative effect to your recovery.
It's important to find a psychotherapist or specialist who will truly listen to you. It's likely that you aren't going to this person to be judged. You need compassionate guidance, yet objectivity. Look for someone who will point out your weaknesses, yet find a solution that can help you overcome the obstacles that are hindering your progress.
Anxiety counseling can come in various forms, so you need to assess your situation and determine what areas you need help with. If you believe you may be suffering from bipolar disorder, do your research to find a reputable therapist who has had extensive experience in treating this disorder. Likewise, if you suffer from depression, there are qualified experts who are trained to treat depression. Some physiotherapists treat a wide spectrum of anxiety disorders. It's a matter of recognizing what issues you are trying to overcome and finding a source of counseling to suit your needs.
Another consideration in choosing the best anxiety counseling is the gender of your potential therapist. Perhaps you are more comfortable talking to a female, or maybe you'd prefer a male therapist. There is no correct decision here, and it is all a matter of personal preference.
Before you make your final decision, meet with the therapist and ask questions to learn his opinions, values, and standards. Get a feel for how this therapist practices and what course of treatment is used. If you have a negative feeling after the initial meeting, it is best to go with your reaction and instinct. Finally, ask about the success rate of this therapist's patients. If the recovery rate seems very low, you may wish to look elsewhere for your source of anxiety counseling.