How to choose the right therapist for you
14-11-2022
Choosing a therapist is difficult, there is no doubt about that. You are entrusting a complete stranger with your deepest thoughts, feelings and emotions – of course it is no easy task! The most important thing, is to trust your instinct. When you meet someone for the first time, you can generally sense the character of that person and whether or not you feel comfortable in their presence. Let your instinct be your guide.
Here are some points to consider when deciding whether or not the therapist you are seeing is right for you:
Safety: You should feel like you can be yourself and be honest without feeling judged.
Competence: Your psychotherapist should have at least a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and have gone through a psychotherapeutic process him/herself, as well as continuous supervision. You can ask about the skills, experience and expertise of the therapist(s) you choose to engage with.
Sense of connection: Your therapist should feel like a trusted ally and advisor, someone you look forward to seeing, even if it seems hard sometimes, depending on the specific topics and issues you discuss.
Give your therapist three tries: It usually takes at least three sessions before you start to understand how your therapist can impact your life. At first, it may feel awkward to be in a remote psychotherapy process, or to reveal your thoughts, so give yourself time to get used to the experience.
Listen to your gut: You may feel unsettled or feel that something is off when you are in therapy. If that happens, do not ignore that feeling. Listen to your instinct and talk to your therapist about it. Your therapist may be able to accommodate your needs. If your needs cannot be accommodated, you can part ways in a healthy and therapeutic way.
There are plenty of therapists out there: Give yourself time to search for the one you feel most comfortable with and explore the process.
Remember, you are not bound to your therapist for life. It is completely normal to try a number of different therapists before you find “the one”. So, if you are not feeling comfortable with the therapist you are with, or you find that you are unable to open up and really talk about what is bothering you, then move on. Look for another therapist.
Therapy is a journey designed to empower you with tools you can use throughout your life. It is meant to help you change your perspective and look at things differently.
Start your online therapy journey
We have a number of qualified psychologists who can arm you with the tools needed to deal with difficult situations. They are also very good listeners! Select the therapist that is right for you.
Start now
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in New to online therapy? Here's how to get comfortable and prepare for your first session and How to use areeka web for your online therapy
Here are some points to consider when deciding whether or not the therapist you are seeing is right for you:
Safety: You should feel like you can be yourself and be honest without feeling judged.
Competence: Your psychotherapist should have at least a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and have gone through a psychotherapeutic process him/herself, as well as continuous supervision. You can ask about the skills, experience and expertise of the therapist(s) you choose to engage with.
Sense of connection: Your therapist should feel like a trusted ally and advisor, someone you look forward to seeing, even if it seems hard sometimes, depending on the specific topics and issues you discuss.
Give your therapist three tries: It usually takes at least three sessions before you start to understand how your therapist can impact your life. At first, it may feel awkward to be in a remote psychotherapy process, or to reveal your thoughts, so give yourself time to get used to the experience.
Listen to your gut: You may feel unsettled or feel that something is off when you are in therapy. If that happens, do not ignore that feeling. Listen to your instinct and talk to your therapist about it. Your therapist may be able to accommodate your needs. If your needs cannot be accommodated, you can part ways in a healthy and therapeutic way.
There are plenty of therapists out there: Give yourself time to search for the one you feel most comfortable with and explore the process.
Remember, you are not bound to your therapist for life. It is completely normal to try a number of different therapists before you find “the one”. So, if you are not feeling comfortable with the therapist you are with, or you find that you are unable to open up and really talk about what is bothering you, then move on. Look for another therapist.
Therapy is a journey designed to empower you with tools you can use throughout your life. It is meant to help you change your perspective and look at things differently.
Start your online therapy journey
We have a number of qualified psychologists who can arm you with the tools needed to deal with difficult situations. They are also very good listeners! Select the therapist that is right for you.
Start now
If you enjoyed this article, you might also be interested in New to online therapy? Here's how to get comfortable and prepare for your first session and How to use areeka web for your online therapy
