How To Choose A Good Therapist
The reasons to seek counselling can be vast and varied. For some, it may be to develop and foster relationships; while others find therapy is a way to feel better and view life with a new set of eyes. With the technology of today, the process of finding a therapist is far simpler than it once was. With the click of a button, you can receive a seemingly endless list of choices. Finding a good therapist, however, may be a challenge if you do not know what you’re looking for.
First, you have to ask, what characteristics should you look for in a therapist or what type of therapist is the best match for you?
What Makes the Best Match?
Trust – A successful therapeutic relationship always begins with this essential component. The therapist that best matches you will naturally achieve a certain level of trust. When you feel you can trust your therapist it is easier to open up and be honest in your sessions. The more honest you are, the better your counselor can help you. Trust also helps you to want to implement what you learn in therapy, using it outside of sessions to help foster change and growth.
You can benefit greatly from therapy or counseling. It is important to note, though, that therapists and counselors are not all the same. Each therapist will use different approaches in order to meet your unique needs. Although it may take time to find the best match, therapists and their respective approaches are essential in achieving a successful counseling experience.
Finding the best match can prove to be challenging, though it can be worth it when you find the therapist that is right for you and start seeing positive results. You may wish to consider the following when searching for a therapist:
1. Specialty and Credentials
When looking for a therapist who is a good fit for you it can be helpful to find a therapist who specializes in what you are hoping to address. For example, if you are experiencing intrusive symptoms of anxiety you would likely benefit from a therapist who specializes in anxiety. Most therapists advertise themselves online, generally through their own website, and will include a biography listing their education and specialties. This is valuable information and can help you to narrow down your choices when deciding who to see for therapy.
Your therapist’s education is important, as is continuing education. Skills cannot just be taught or learned in a classroom; this is acquired through years of experience and additional training. You can also identify a well-experienced therapist’s skills by the way they evaluate your symptoms, diagnose, and plan your treatment.
You have the right to verify the credentials of any professional you are working with, though most will display their degree and license in their offices. By willingly presenting these credentials your therapist can save you some time doing valuable research. It is important to find a therapist that respects their profession by adhering to the career standards such as codes of ethics, state laws, and best practice. Verified credentials not only cover the bases; it can also validate your decision when choosing a therapist from a long list. Knowing that you are working with an ethical professional can help to continue to build trust.
2. Methods and Approaches
How much you participate in treatment factors into how successful your sessions will be. With that said, a good therapist regularly discusses expectations and different methods/approaches that can be used. By being involved in the process, you can be more aware and also feel more confident in your journey.
Your engagement is key to counseling “working” and a good therapist knows this. They will extend the effort necessary to keep you informed and involved in the process, it is your process after all! Different treatment options will also be open for discussion, so you can make a well-informed decision.
3. Personality Characteristics
Training and skills are important, but they can only go so far. You have to feel that you mesh well with your therapist and personality characteristics make or break this. Most therapist are kind and caring, though you may find you prefer a more active and engaged therapist or perhaps you prefer a therapist who is more of a listener. There is no “wrong” type of personality, what is important is that you feel that you can talk to your therapist and open up.
After an initial session, you will be able to assess whether there is a sense of comfort between you and your therapist. If you find yourself wanting to meet with them again to continue your journey that is generally a good sign.
Finding the Right Fit with CCS
Although the number of therapists may seem endless, finding the right one does not need to be a difficult process. There is an easier option to find a therapist who is right for you. Qualified and caring professionals are available and independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. The experts you find through CCS are genuinely caring, highly trained and ready to begin your journey with you. Call today to start!
PO BOX 9909 Fayetteville, NC 28311