Finding The Right Therapist For Better Mental Health. Finding the right therapist is crucial, not because the wrong one will cost you time and money, but because you might end up more confused than before. Psychiatrists agree that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to choosing a therapist. One that works for your next-door-neighbor might not be the best fit for you and vice versa.

So, what to consider when looking for a therapist and how can you be sure that this is the right one for you?

Here are a few ways you can determine whether a particular therapist is good for you or not.

Choosing A Therapist

It goes without saying that the most extensive part of searching for a therapist is when you are starting to look for one. The first thing you are likely to do is either ask your friends and family or simply search online.

This is a good way to root out potentially harmful therapists. On many sites, you can find information and reviews about therapists that can let you know which therapist treats patients the right way and which does not. With due diligence, you can find a therapist or two that fit your needs with positive reviews. You should also conduct some research on therapists recommended by your friends and family to see if they fit your needs.

One of the most important factors to consider here is to look at the therapist’s face and ask yourself “is this a face I can trust?” This is important because you’ll be looking at their face while letting out your secrets. It needs to be someone you are comfortable with.

Look for evidence that can support a doctor’s claims about being able to cure depression, anxiety, or any other disorder.

Making The Call

After you’ve selected a few therapists that you think you’d be comfortable with, it’s time to give them a consultation call. This is the best way to ‘scope out’ your potential therapist and get a feel of the type of person they are and determine whether they are the right person to help you sort out your problem.

These days, most people prefer emails instead of giving therapists a call. This is a mistake. You can’t understand the nature of your potential therapist or get the ‘vibe’ on an email reply. How do you know they aren’t rushing the conversation?

On the call, try to judge the therapist’s behavior, perspective on things you need help with, their specialty, and even their general view on therapy. Remember, you are going to be totally vulnerable with them, so get close and personal with them and try to determine if you can trust them.

On Your First Session

After sifting through scores of therapists online and then trying to judge them on the phone, now you’re finally at your first session with the one you think is most compatible. First sessions are awkward, that’s no secret – especially if this is your first time with a therapist.

And just because you’ve made it this far, it does not mean that you are going to have to stick with this particular therapist. You need to make sure you are comfortable here, the doctor demonstrates professionalism, stays alert, and his focus doesn’t turn from you to perhaps his phone, out the window or anywhere else. At no point in the session should you feel like they are pushing their own agenda.

Patients and therapists should agree on a certain plan and set goals and objectives.

Therapists often recommend people with problems outside their area of expertise to others. If you think that the therapist doesn’t handle cases like yours but is still sticking to you, this might be a red flag.

After A Few Sessions

If you’ve spent a few sessions with a particular therapist and are comfortable with them, congratulations. However, if you don’t get the feeling of control and being supported by your therapy sessions, you should consider changing your therapist.

 

 

Remember, a therapist should respect your need to be comfortable and try to help you to the best of their ability. Seek a change immediately if you think your therapist has any habit that you aren’t comfortable with. If you walk out of the therapists office feeling even the slightest bit of hope and control, you know you’ve made the perfect choice in seeking help.

Look for the next blog relating to your therapeutic needs

Necessary Boundaries for a Healthy Counseling Relationship