Tips of Choosing the Right Therapist
Tips of Choosing the Right Therapist
Everyones hurts sometimes, and anyone can benefit from the guidance of a good psychologist/therapist. Going to therapy does not mean you are flawed, weak or crazy. The stigma to mental health needs to start to change, therapy is used by many successful people, at time it can be used for insight, clarification of thoughts and help with relationship dynamics. Therapy is not just for when you are depressed and low. Here are some tips to help you find the right therapist.
Check their Qualifications
Choose a therapist with a licence, here in the UK we have many different ethical committees such as BPS, HCPC, BACP and many more. The most important thing is knowing that their experience and training can help you through the challenges you are facing.
Know your Options
This means spend time in researching the right therapist/psychologist for you, for example if your looking for someone closer to home or want Skype therapy, there is no harm in looking around. Google them, see their Linkdin page, looking in counselling directories. Asking for word of mouth recommendations is good, because people have experienced the therapist before. Ask for a phone consultation.
Talk about your Goals
A good therapist will always ask you what your goals are, if you don’t know what they are, the therapist should be skilled enough to help you with questions that can identify your goals with you. This is perfect time for you to ask questions too.
Look for a Road Map
What this means is an appropriate treatment plan, which outlines your sessions and what therapeutic model they may be using with you. Usually this is outlined in consultation in ways the therapist can help you and make progress to the change your hopefully looking for.
Be Wary of Promises and Guarantees
Most therapist job is to build hope, to be by your side in your journey of life. However, they can not make absolute promises, as they may in turn be unhelpful and impede your progression in therapy. Therapy like most things in life is a process, allow yourself to go through this process with open mind to your self-development.
Listen to your Gut
This is something we also share on our company Instagram, going with your gut is going with some of your unconscious communications that your body singling a reflag or a good flag. If you don’t feels safe or if you feel like you can’t talk openly with a particular therapist, honour that instinct at anytime during your research or your first couple of sessions and go for someone who you feel you can open too.
Maintain your Independence
A good therapist will create a supportive environment for healing by encouraging you to access your own resources and not by fostering dependence on him or her. So for example a therapist can be flexible in weekly sessions to fortnightly sessions. The importance is your growth in your journey. Remember therapy is about you.
Pay attention to Boundaries
The therapeutic relationship is built on trust and confidentiality. If you feel that has been violated in any way, speak to someone who can help.
Mark your progress
Make sure both you and your therapist are taking note of milestones and achievements so you know therapy is working.
I hope anyone reading this blog, will have more insight into how to choose the right therapist. Good luck in your journey to therapy.
