How to Find the Right Therapist in Overland Park: 5 Things to Look For
Finding the right therapist can feel intimidating, especially when you’re already emotionally exhausted. Maybe you’ve been scrolling through endless profiles or trying to decode therapy jargon, wondering how to tell who’s actually the right fit for you.
The truth is, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’re not just choosing a service. You’re choosing a relationship built on trust, empathy, and understanding. If you’re searching for a therapist in Overland Park or anywhere in Kansas, here are five things to look for as you start your journey.
1. Connection Matters More Than Credentials
A therapist’s approach and education are essential, but the relationship you build matters most. You should feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood, and not analyzed or judged. Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of success in therapy. If you feel a sense of comfort or connection, even early on, that’s a sign you’re in the right place.
2. Ask About Their Approach
Therapists use many frameworks and techniques, and it’s okay to ask what that means in practice. For example, I use a humanistic and interpersonal approach, which focuses on helping you understand how your past shapes your present relationships, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This process allows you to create new, healthier patterns instead of staying stuck in old cycles. There’s no perfect method. What matters is that it feels right to you.
3. Consider Practical Fit
The right therapist fits both your emotional and logistical needs. Do they offer virtual sessions or in-person options? Are they licensed in your state? Do they align with your budget and schedule? Dr. Amy provides virtual and in-person therapy to adults across Kansas, making it easier to access care that fits your lifestyle.
4. Give It Time
It’s common for the first few sessions to feel uncertain or even uncomfortable; that’s normal. Therapy isn’t about instant results; it’s about building trust and exploring new emotional territory. Allow yourself a few sessions before deciding if it’s a good fit. If something feels off, bring it up. Open communication is part of the process.
5. You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out to Begin
You don’t need a diagnosis, a perfect explanation, or even a clear goal to start therapy. You just need the willingness to begin. Therapy is where you figure things out. Not something you have to have figured out beforehand.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right therapist isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about finding someone who helps you feel safe enough to show up honestly and begin the work. If you’re ready to explore therapy in Overland Park or anywhere in Kansas, I’d be honored to walk beside you.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re the right fit!