While many may have advised seeking professional help, that’s often easier said than done, mainly when one isn’t sure of where to start. It can be difficult to feel hopeful when undergoing a challenging situation, especially when things seem to take a turn for the worse. It can be tricky to find a therapist with the right chemistry or dynamic, but the result is always worth it.
Still, it isn’t easy to determine which one is the best for a particular healing journey, even when meeting a few therapists. Fortunately, a few factors can be used to find the ideal therapist for oneself. Here are seven of them:
Feeling Safe and Comfortable
Everyone should feel safe with their therapist. A therapist’s office is a safe space to reveal their deepest insecurities, thoughts, and feelings. For this reason, the therapist must be easy to talk and relate to, down-to-earth, and friendly. If the therapist is removed, cold, overly emotional, or arrogant, it is best to look elsewhere. Visiting a therapist for the first time can be scary, but what’s more important is finding a mental health professional that can help a patient in their unique circumstances.
The Therapist’s Approach to Helping
Another vital aspect to consider is the therapist’s approach to helping. Their general philosophy and outlook will affect how they help patients process their emotional issues and trauma. If the therapist approaches human behavior with compassion, they’ll do the same to their patients. However, if they have a pessimistic outlook, it will likely translate during counseling sessions.
A Clear Plan
It’s best to go with a therapist with a clear plan on how they intend to solve their patient’s issues and concerns. Competent therapists will explain the tools and strategies to help their patients process their problems and provide an essential road map to know what to expect. The therapist may also estimate how the patient can determine when they have finished therapy.
Regular Peer Consultation
Seasoned therapists regularly consult with their peers or other consultants to continue providing top-quality service to their patients. A consultation allows therapists to review cases, receive advice, make breakthroughs when they feel stuck, see their blind spots, and realize when their issues are interfering with the work they’re doing. Regular peer consultation is an opportunity for therapists to perform a reality check on themselves to ensure they stay compassionate yet objective when helping patients heal through their trauma.
Accepting Feedback
Therapists should not be defensive in the face of feedback, especially when they’ve said something that hurt their patient’s feelings. A good therapist will accept feedback and admit where they’ve made mistakes to avoid repeating them and maintain a positive relationship with their patient.
Encouraging Dependence or Independence
It’s important to note that therapy isn’t designed to solve patients’ problems for them but to equip them with the tools they need to do it themselves. Proper treatment doesn’t provide a salve for overwhelming feelings either but helps one learn how to soothe and manage their emotions by themselves, no matter how wild or intense. They encourage independence, teaching patients to use their resources to become emotionally healthy instead of depending on others to feel better.
Experience Treating Others with the Same Issues
If a patient is experiencing a specific issue, it may help them work with a therapist with prior experience treating others with the same problem. The therapist will have developed more expertise from dealing with the same problem area with other patients, making them more fit to address the issue.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal therapist can be tricky. However, it’ll be much easier to search for a therapist that most resonates with a particular set of experiences by using this guide. Healing will become more accessible, leading to a healthier, happier patient.
For those in search of a 24/7 therapist, look no further than Therapy24x7. We offer cognitive behavioral therapy in Brooklyn, both online and offline. We work to provide support, enhanced coping strategies, and results-based treatment for issues affecting daily life. Contact us today to book an online appointment.