What services are right for me?

Topics:

• Therapy

• Decision Making

• Professional Help

If you’ve read “Do I Need Therapy?” and the answer is a resounding “YES!”, the next step is finding the type of therapy that best fits your needs. Here are a few guiding questions to help you choose the right resource:

What is the specific problem?
You might know something feels “off,” but it’s important to clarify what’s out of balance. Vague feelings like being “down” or “stuck” can signal different things. Even a diagnosis like depression is broad. Couples may cite “communication issues” or say they’re “struggling with sex,” but getting specific helps in choosing the most effective approach.

Is the sexuality issue the core concern?
Sexual difficulties are often symptoms of deeper struggles—stress, conflict, trauma, or unmet needs. Sometimes addressing the root issue resolves the sexual concern. Other times, sexual issues are central and require focused attention. And in many cases, both need to be addressed together.

Do I need a certified sex therapist?
Some people benefit from supportive conversations or basic education. Others need more structured, specialized help. While many therapists are sex-positive or have some training, certified sex therapists bring in-depth knowledge and skills specifically for addressing complex sexual concerns.

Should I start with individual, couples, or group work?
Individual therapy may be the best place to start if you’re building self-awareness or emotional regulation. But if the core pain lies in the relationship, couples therapy might be the right entry point. There’s no one-size-fits-all—starting where the pain is often makes the most sense.

So, there you have it—your homework. I encourage every client to reflect on these questions before starting therapy. While therapists are eager to help, therapy is most effective when it happens at the right time, for the right reasons. When that alignment happens, therapy can be like a symphony—or at least a pretty solid jazz band