Choosing an effective therapist is hard. Chances are, you’re already going through a difficult time in your life. The last thing you need is the additional trouble that might come from working with a therapist who doesn’t meet your needs.
Your therapist should be someone you trust to maintain privacy, be professional, and empower you to feel better about your unique situation. Unfortunately, not every therapist will provide such support to their patients. An sometimes, a particular therapist just isn’t a good fit.
If you’re thinking about starting any kind of therapy, make sure you’ve found the right counseling provider for you. Refer to these three signs of an effective therapist for guidance during your search for counseling:
The Therapist Makes You Feel Safe
Most of us determine whether we think someone is trustworthy within a few seconds. If your initial reaction to a therapist is one of trust, you’ve likely found an effective therapist. Your therapist should be someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing relationship problems, trauma and victimization, and other deeply personal topics. If you have an overwhelming sense that this person will protect your privacy, consider booking an appointment.
The Therapist is Professional
While you should feel like you can trust your therapist, professionals in mental health services shouldn’t talk to you like they’re your best friend. You need to know that this person has expert knowledge about mental illness, marriage issues, and general psychology, while maintaining your privacy. Your therapist should also help you focus–since the mind tends to up to 30% of the time during everyday activities–and keep the conversation comfortably on track for the entire session. If your potential counselor radiates both empathy and knowledge, you’ve likely found an effective therapist.
The Therapist is Flexible
A good therapist should also be ready to adopt your treatment and counseling plan as changes develop in your circumstances. If a therapist seems to have a diagnosis and treatment plan too early in your relationship, this might be a warning sign that your therapist isn’t really listening, but instead making assumptions about what kind of help you need. Look for a therapist who offers flexible treatment plans that can be molded to your own preferences and lifestyle.
Finding the right therapist should feel like a relief, not a chore. If your therapist exhibits the qualities described above then you have likely found the right person to help you address your issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Keri Powell Therapy today.