Topic: counseling-fundamentals

Question: How would I know if I have the right therapist?
How do you know you have the right therapist for you?
 How would I know how to "train" my therapist to be able to give me what I need from treatment?

Answer (from Shauntai Davis-YearginPersonalized, private online counseling for individuals and couples):
When you have the right therapist you just know, as evidence of the help that you have received, the progress that you have made,  from the rapport and partnership that you have gained with your therapist, and from if you feel supported in a way that is helpful to you, as well as if your therapist has a good understanding of what your needs are and what you desire to gain from your therapy experience.

Answer (from JanaLee WagnerHope through life's complications. ):
This is a great question.  A good therapist should first be someone you can trust and second, someone who encourages you to be honest with yourself.  Therapy is a time to learn new coping skills and learn more about yourself.  You have the answers you need within yourself,  but it sometimes takes a keen ear to lead you to those answers.  This can't happen without trust and honesty. You may not always leave therapy feeling energized. Therapy can be hard work. But, you should always feel you have gained something to ponder that will help you better understand yourself.

Answer (from Dr. Melissa ValentinaHonor Yourself and Live Your Truth):
If you connect with your therapist and can say whatever you want to say and not be judged.

Answer (from Reanna WaughWaugh's Holistic Wellness Center):
Having the perfect therapist can be the key to any
fruitful relationship. My private practice uses Life Coaching, though I am
professionally qualified in many therapeutic modalities. The therapeutic
relationship is the initial step of any treatment program or goal attainment
process. We can discover an appreciation of having discovered the best
character to show you on this journey in excellent communication. Does the
person “get you” and are you on the same page in the therapeutic process? The
therapist should have considerable experience that combines professional
instruction on the matters that you need guidance to overpower. If the
therapist doesn’t have all the fundamental experiences, is he/she prepared
to locate the suitable means that you require or have the capabilities to
recommend you to someone while following up and continuing a prosperous and
beneficial relationship with you.
If for some reason you are required to continue with
a therapist and advance on this relationship, make certain that the
communication areas are consistently transparent. Express yourself
openly in disclosing your objectives and purpose. Try to find a
commonality with the therapist that encompasses various pathways of motivation
for them to learn and grow while maintaining a focus on your present
accomplishments. Optimal Communication is consistently the key to a healthy
relationship.

Answer (from Dr. Timothy Paul'man'; Online - "Natural Health Consultant and Coach"):
The right therapist is [a] man or woman with whom you see an immediate and continual improvement in your issue, up until the point when you no longer need them anymore.Think of them as a mechanic who should be able to fix your car relatively quickly; and, if he doesn't fix it, you fire him :)

Answer (from Christopher Michael, Ph.D.Claremont, CA Psychologist):
One way is to bring one's concerns or desires to the therapist directly, rather than trying to subtly 'train' them. Here's why I say that: One quite important healing factor in a psychotherapy is discovering that problems in the therapy and the therapeutic relationship can be solved together. It is a safety zone or bridge for practicing that. If it can be done with a trained, usually safe person (the therapist), the client might think, wow--what are the implications for my outside life and relations? Could I get what I want outside of therapy, too, even if it feels not as safe?If the therapist can deal with feedback (and any good therapist should be able to), this can be very productive. Cooperation in this way, in the moment, with a live person who is supposed to have authority and knowledge in these matters, can be profoundly healing.If the therapist can't take feedback or doesn't want to--or does nothing to act on it--maybe we could say the client has the wrong therapist.

Answer (from Susan HaberkornOnline Christian Counseling for Women):
If you are seeking personal development and challenge resolution in a Christian context, I am the right counselor for you. I will balance the needs of your temperament with scripture, prayer, and cognitive therapy techniques.

Answer (from Rachel TramonteTherapy for adults, couples, and teens):
You should feel generally comfortable with your therapist.  Your therapist should be able to challenge you when necessary, and be able to provide support at other times.  I don't know if you can really "train" your therapist to give you what you need from treatment.  Definitely let your therapist  know  what you need or want from treatment and see what they have to say about your ideas. Do you think you are or at least will be able to make the progress you want to make with your current therapist? There isn't one "right" therapist for you.  There should be a few therapists in your area you will work with well enough. If you can have a productive, open dialogue with your therapist and you feel comfortable enough then you may already be in the right place.  If you are having lots of doubt about your therapist being the "right" one interview other therapists.

Answer (from Cristina TreadwayInsight Life Counseling):
Your comfort with a therapist is one of the most essential aspects of a quality therapeutic relationship.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the therapist’s approach and background.   Do you feel heard and understood?  Do you find the feedback helpful and directed toward achieving your goals.  Ensuring open communication with your therapist is primary to making sure you have the “right” therapist.

Answer (from Shannon GonterBe who you are, not who the world has told you to be. ):
You should like and trust your counselor. Sounds like a big ole “DUH”. But you will not believe the number of people I have met with that have described their past counselor as “totally opposite than me” or someone who “didn’t get me” or “had totally opposing beliefs as me”. Suggestion to the masses, do your research prior to entering counseling! If you are someone who often cusses and is abrasive, you might not want to pick the counselor who is highly professional and uses sophisticated language throughout their site. Pick someone who is more in line with your personality and wants for your future.And even if you do your research beforehand and figure out you aren’t vibing after a few sessions, that’s okay! Let your counselor know this, and who knows there might be something that can be done to make you feel more comfortable or maybe there isn’t. But the good thing to note is that there are thousands of human helpers in your city and your counselor would be happy to provide you with a referral to a better fitting therapist.View full post here: https://www.therapybyshannon.com/blog-2/2019/1/14/7-things-counseling-should-and-shouldnt-be