Your Guide to Finding a Therapist in Lake Charles That’s Right for You
Starting therapy is a big step. Finding the right therapist shouldn’t feel impossible.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about therapy for a while. Maybe a recent breakup or a rough patch in your marriage has pushed it to the top of your mind. Or maybe you’re just tired of carrying so much on your own and wondering if there’s someone who can help you make sense of it all.
No matter what brings you here, one thing is true. The relationship you build with your therapist matters. It’s more than credentials or office decor. You’re looking for someone who gets it. Someone you can actually talk to. Someone you can trust.
If you’re searching for a therapist in Lake Charles and feeling overwhelmed by the options, this guide is for you.
First, get clear on what you need
Before you even make that first call, it can help to pause and ask yourself a few simple questions.
What am I hoping to work through or better understand?
Do I want individual therapy, couples counseling, or maybe something else?
Do I want someone who takes a more structured, solution-focused approach, or someone who will help me explore things more deeply over time?
Would I feel more comfortable with a male or female therapist, or does it not matter to me?
There’s no right or wrong answer. This is about getting clear on what you need right now.
Look for experience that matches your concerns
If you’re struggling in your relationship, it helps to find a therapist who works with couples regularly. If anxiety or trauma are part of your story, you’ll want someone who has training and experience in those areas.
At Woods Counseling Services, we see clients across a wide range of concerns including relationship challenges, anxiety, burnout, grief, identity exploration, and more. If you’re not sure where your experience fits, that’s okay. A good therapist will help you figure that out together.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
That first phone call or consultation is a great time to ask questions and get a feel for how the therapist communicates.
Here are a few things you might ask:
• What’s your experience with the kind of issues I’m facing?
• What does a typical session look like?
• How long do people usually stay in therapy with you?
• What’s your approach when things get really emotional or hard to talk about?
A good therapist won’t be thrown off by these questions. In fact, they’ll probably welcome them. You deserve to feel safe and informed from the very beginning.
Pay attention to how it feels
Even if the therapist checks all the boxes on paper, what matters most is how it feels to sit in the room with them. Do you feel judged or supported? Rushed or heard? Guarded or open?
Therapy is a relationship. And like any relationship, the connection matters. If something feels off after a few sessions, it’s okay to name that or even try someone else. Finding the right fit is part of the process.
Looking for a therapist in Lake Charles?
If you’re ready to begin therapy, or even just curious about what it might be like, we’re here to help. Our team at Woods Counseling Services offers therapy in Lake Charles for individuals, couples, and families. We believe in creating a safe, down-to-earth space where healing is possible and growth feels supported.
Whether you’re searching for a Lake Charles therapist to help with anxiety, relationships, or personal growth, or just want someone to talk to who will really listen, we’d love to walk alongside you.
You can learn more about our services here or reach out to schedule a consultation. There’s no pressure. Just a conversation to see if it feels like a good fit.
