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 Abigail EckI'm so grateful you're here. Finding a therapist is scary, so I'd like to make this comfortable for you.):
This is a great question! When you look forward to sessions because you feel calm, comforted, supported, and growth -- that's how you know you found the right therapist. Therapy can be uncomfortable simply because you start looking at parts of your life and yourself that you've been avoiding or hiding. BUT, a therapist shouldn't make you feel attacked, judged, dependent, or weak.A good therapist will "train" themselves to best suit you and your needs. I truly hope you find your match!

Answer (from Lisa Provorny):
Finding the right therapist isn't as easy as looking in the phone book and choosing someone who is close-by or is inexpensive. The therapist who feels like the best fit is someone who you feel comfortable being vulnerable with, provides a environment (physical or virtual) that feels safe to try and take risks, and who focuses on your needs in the time you spend together. The right treatment options may vary depending on what you are going through in your life at the moment, and may not be the same from challenge to challenge. A good therapist for you will communicate with you and give you feedback, but also encourage you to grow and be able to utilize the tools you've acquired in your real, every day life.

Answer (from Jane M Floyd, PsyDOur life is shaped by our mind for we become what we think; lets get started making progress in life):
A therapist should be willing to have an initial conversation to determine - both of you - if there is a good fit. Fit will be determined in ways such as do I feel a connection with this therapist, do they have skills in an area that I am struggling with, do I feel heard and listened to when we talk, are you making the progress you are seeking. Each therapist may have a different style but I have found the best way to work together is through collaboration, providing input to your needs and feedback when things are going well or if things need to change identify that as well

Answer (from Tara DixonFreedom from the past, control of the present, and hope for the future):
There are lots of very good therapists out there–doing all types of therapy. However, studies show that more important than the type of therapy, the biggest indicator of client success is the therapeutic relationship that develops between the therapist and client. In other words…there needs to be a ‘good fit’.

Answer (from Shirvington HannaysCertified Addiction Counsellor):
How do you know you have the right therapist for you? The honest and authentic answer is that you may never be able to say for sure you have the right Therapist.However, you can be guided a few session of your meeting and you sharing the reason(s) you seek counselling. Then you feeling that both you and the Therapist have invested some time together being venerable, establishing trust, and both being willing to come from a place of respect for each other. Especially from the therapist to you, that you don't feel judged. That said, it is hoped that in time and with time (varying form each set of client/therapist teams) there develops and forms a therapeutic alliance that natural fosters and encourages change and growth for you the client.All of the above said, how do you find this out? You will have to be will to invest some time getting to know the therapist, his or her style; therapy mode and approach base of training and expertise. here are still qualities of a professionally sound and empathetic therapist. They have clearly shown over time they actively listen to you, clarify and confirms highlights of your sharing, your fears, concerns and challenges that lead you to seek out counselling at this time. While you being as honest and forthcoming in your sharing for an assessment process to be conducted. Which allows for the establishment that you both may be a good fit to foster and maintain a therapeutic working alliance.How would I know how to "train" my therapist to be able to give me what I need from treatment?If this truly is an intention and motivation to explore treatment by you having the misguided information that you need to train your therapist to meet your needs, you clearly are not ready for treatment at this time.

Answer (from Josh KellarLicensed Marriage and Family Therapist):
I think the right therapist will lead you toward answers that work. “Right” simply means they are helping you accomplish your goals for counseling.If I understand the question, training your therapist should really just mean being transparent about what you’re looking for. Most therapists will offer a treatment plan that should let you know the process they are taking to help you meet your goals. If you don’t feel like the treatment plan is what you need, be honest with them and collaborate to come up with a process that better suits you.

Answer (from Ashton SullivanDialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR):
I would look up therapists who speak to what you are going through on their website or directory listing and seem to align with your values (some people want a therapist of the similar faith, gender, or cultural background).  I'm not saying that they should have these traits but for some people that's important and helps them to feel more comfortable.  When you find one that seems to fit on their listing or website, try the free consultation that most therapists offer.  Ask them about their experience in treating your problems and how they might be able to help.  I would try them for a few sessions and see how well y'all mesh.  Ultimately if you don't feel like you're getting anything out of it then I would suggest either letting them know if you need something different or try a different therapist.  Your therapist needs to fit like a comfy pair of shoes!  Sometimes that does take a few sessions though as the first stage always involves getting to know each other and building rapport.

Answer (from Angelia WorleyTransformative Counseling Experience):
Finding the right therapist is a lot like looking for a primary care doctor or family physician. You may have more than one in your life and also, if it does not work out, you can find a provider that is a better fit. You want to find someone who you believe will respond to your needs and help you accomplish your goals. That being said, it is very helpful to know what are you trying to accomplish in counseling. Therapists will open up the floor for you to discuss and will set treatment goals with you to move towards what you are accomplishing. This becomes the road map. The map keeps both the clinician and client on course. In addition, being very honest about your needs and providing feedback about sessions can be helpful. If you did not like something, make sure to speak up about it, so that it does not negatively impact the therapy relationship. If something works, make sure you speak up about that too. This can help the therapist to know if therapeutic changes need to be made. Similar to a doctor, if a medication is not working, it would be important to let them know so that adjustments can be made.  Therapy is a journey that is unique to each person. Talking about the therapy relationship is a part of that journey.