Are you looking for a therapist? Are you confused who you should schedule your first session with? When looking for a therapist that will be good for you, it is important to know the characteristics of a good therapist. Read some our tips below to understand some signs of an effective therapist.
1. Professionalism
A good therapist maintains a professional relationship with you at all times. They are clear about what you can expect. Although their demeanor will be friendly, effective therapists are clear about their limitations. They are accepting of you and the changes you want to make. However, they don’t present therapy as an answer in itself. Therapy requires process and change. They don’t give advice, but are your companion on your journey. Consequently, your therapist should empower you to change by helping you grasp the best in yourself.
2. Uses Different Therapeutic Approaches
Good therapists do not have a one-size-fits-all approach. They concentrate on your situation and your experience. They have a willingness to listen to what’s going on. A good therapist establishes a professional relationship and are interested in your goals for therapy. They focus on your experiences, assess your situation, and bring a range of skills to therapy. A good therapist offers insight and acceptance. They encourage you to make meaningful, practical alterations that start to change things for the better. Does your therapist tailor your treatment to your needs?
3. Credentials
When looking for a good therapist, it’s best to work with a therapist that was professionally trained The therapist should have a graduate degree and be credentialed. While many people call themselves “counselors” or “therapists” after taking a weekend seminar, that’s far less training than should be required. To ensure you are getting the best care, only work with therapists who have a graduate degree. Moreover, licensing ensures that the graduate has received supervision of their work after receiving their graduate degree. It also ensures that they have passed an exam to receive licensure. In addition, therapists might hold a certificate that certifies they have received additional specialized training in a particular area. This does not necessarily ensure the quality of their work, but is a good indicator of additional training in that area of specialty.
4. Non-judgmental
Judging is an oppressive behavior. It limits others through the use of assumptions and biases, attempts to put the client in a box, and suggests that somehow the client is not “good enough”. On the other hand, a non-judgmental attitude empowers clients and acknowledges that clients can take charge of their recoveries and do the work required to get well. Therefore, a good therapist refrains from attributing blame and making judgements. They are effective in determining areas of work required and assisting the client with techniques that can help him reach his recovery goals. Client feelings should always be accepted, respected, and validated.
5. Peer Consultation
No therapist has all the answers. And not every case is easy and clear-cut. Working with a therapist that engages in regular peer consultation is important. Regular peer consultation gives the therapist the opportunity to discuss with and learn from other therapists, techniques, and strategies. As they say, two heads are better than one. Regular peer consultation provides important opportunities. it allows therapists to share experiences, talk about common challenges, and consult with other professionals about issues that aren’t easily addressed. When looking for a good therapist, make sure the one you choose is involved with regular peer consultation.
6. Empathetic
Empathy is another part of a good therapeutic relationship. Empathy shows the client that the therapist also has some understanding of what the client is going through. This increases trust and enhances the therapeutic alliance. As a result, the client feels more comfortable opening up. When the client feels safe to open up completely, therapy becomes effective.
7. Understands Client’s Background
Each person is unique and struggles with psychological issues for unique reasons. Consequently, a good therapist will accept, understand, and respect the beliefs and values of each client. These include ethnic, cultural, family, and environmental backgrounds.
A good therapist sees the client as a whole being. Thereby, views health and well-being as holistic. Understanding and being sensitive to a client’s unique background is necessary for the progression in therapeutic movement.
8. Trust
A good therapeutic relationship promotes success. Building trust between the therapist and client is an important part of that. By creating an atmosphere of trust within the therapeutic relationship, the therapist meets the client’s basic human needs of feeling cared for and respected. In any therapy setting, trust is critical to the successful outcome of therapy. Success in therapy depends on the ability of the client to trust their vulnerable feelings to a professional. Trust is established through various actions. These include belonging to an ethical body that requires therapists follow ethical guidelines, showing the client respect through word and action, showing compassion, demonstrating sincere concern and interest, and identifying with the client’s form of suffering, to name a few.
Looking for a good therapist?