7 Ways to Find the Right Therapist
When seeking the right therapist for our mental health, what are the most important things to keep in mind?
If you have ever considered therapy or are currently considering it, finding the right therapist is a crucial step in the process. The dyadic relationship between client and therapist has been considered to impact the outcome and success of the session. While there are many therapists available who specialise in various approaches, it is important that you choose the right therapist who makes you feel comfortable and provides a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
This week’s article considers the important factors you need to consider when searching for the right therapist, ensuring that they are the best choice for you.
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Why is it Important to Find the Right Therapist?
The right therapist can be a game changer in your mental health journey. Seeking professional help assists you in receiving the support you require to overcome any challenges and improve your well-being. The right therapist can provide you with the motivation and encouragement you need to make positive changes in your life. This can especially be helpful if you are experiencing mental health illnesses that greatly impact your everyday life because it will help you identify suitable strategies or coping techniques to overcome challenges. So how can you identify and choose the right therapist for you?
7 Ways to Find the Right Therapist
1. Make Use of Online Databases
Several mental health organisations provide an up-to-date list of professional licenced therapists. Many websites provide an international directory of professionals, helping you get connected with the right therapist. From clinical psychologists to relationship counsellors, these directories provide a list of professionals to choose from. So if you are on the lookout for a therapist, consider taking a look at the databases of Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Online Therapy.
2. Get a Referral
If you are not sure where to start, asking within your network can be a great way to find a suitable therapist. Ask your family, friends, or even your general physician (GP) if they can recommend someone. Individuals in your social circle may help you narrow down professionals who will help in your journey.
Yet, at the same time, it is important that you understand that a friend’s therapist may not necessarily be the right fit for you. Instead, the right therapist is someone who will be able to help you meet your personal needs and achieve your therapy goals.
3. Identify your Goals
Identify what you want to accomplish or what you need help with. Research has found that therapy sessions become more effective when the client and therapist are on the same page, particularly regarding the outcome of the therapy sessions.
Moreover, identifying your goals can help you effectively communicate with a therapist. At the same time, it is also okay if you are unsure as to what it is that you want to work on; the right therapist will aid you in the process of identifying your goals and assist you in strategizing how to successfully accomplish them.
4. Consider Cultural Alignment or Differences
While all mental health professionals have relatively standardised training, finding a therapist who is part of your community or shares a similar background can have a significant impact on the quality of the sessions you receive.
And though all professionals are trained to avoid being judgmental, there is a sense of comfort in sharing experiences with someone who we feel understands our experiences, allowing us to be more open during therapy.
5. Check their Credentials
When exploring the bios of therapists, you are most likely to come across many abbreviations after their names, which can often make it confusing to understand what they stand for. These abbreviations are nothing but the accreditations or licences that they have obtained. While it is not necessary to memorise all mental health accreditations, it can be helpful if you understand what some of them mean.
Ensure that you consider a mental health professional who is licenced in their field of expertise, be it a clinical psychologist or a social worker. This is especially important if you are looking for professionals for therapy sessions. Accredited or licenced therapists are required to meet the basic requirements set by a governing board and thus show us that they follow a standardised set of guidelines and code of ethics.
6. Consider the Therapist’s Area of Expertise
Are you looking for a professional to help with particular concerns such as relationship woes or symptoms of depression?
Then you must ensure that the therapist you choose specialises in that particular field. More often than not, therapists tend to mention their area of specialisation in their bio, be it relationship counselling, depression or eating disorders. After all, if you fracture your arm, you are unlikely to visit the neurosurgeon!
7. Don’t Settle!
Sometimes, you may begin to realise, either during your first session or somewhere down the road in your healing journey, that your therapist is not the right fit for you. In such cases, where you do not feel the connection or are feeling unsupported, you can always change the therapist.
While it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, it is ideal that you discuss the lack of connection with your therapist. It might be surprising, but these conversations are not that uncommon. Moreover, having a conversation with them will help you identify any key points that need to be addressed or even find a new therapist. So do not feel bad if you happen to change therapists.
Ultimately, it is important that you find the therapist who is right for you and will aid in the process of achieving your goals. Despite the daunting nature of finding the right therapist, the end result is well worth the effort. Being comfortable with being open and vulnerable with a therapist can make therapy that much more effective for you. Hence, it is critical that you do sufficient research and explore the options available whilst also being mindful of your responses to a therapist when choosing the right one for you.
References Allen, M. L., Cook, B. L., Carson, N., Interian, A., La Roche, M., & Alegría, M. (2017). Patient-provider therapeutic alliance contributes to patient activation in community mental health clinics. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 44, 431-440. |