While a therapist may be an expert in some regions of psychology, they are not expected to know everything. A good therapist will be comfortable admitting when they don’t know something and will seek to learn more through reading, attending conferences and seminars, and consulting with colleagues.
Inquire with friends and family or search online for recommendations. Here are a few qualities to look for in the best therapist for you:
They Listen
A good therapist’s listening ability is one of the most critical aspects. This means they’re not distracted by the clock on their office wall or grocery list, and they provide nonverbal indications of understanding, such as eye contact, body posture, and facial expressions.
The therapists near me should also be open to reevaluating their treatment plans as needed. If, for example, you feel that they’re focusing too much on a part of your past that doesn’t seem to be contributing to your current symptoms, they should be willing to shift gears and focus on something else.
Lastly, the therapist should be aware of their own biases, which can come from their gender, age, race, or religion. Regardless of these factors, they should be committed to continuing their education through professional training and research. This allows them to understand the unique perspective of each patient better and helps them overcome any obstacles that may arise during therapy. Ultimately, this helps to build trust in the relationship between client and therapist.
They’re a Strong Communicator
A therapist’s communication skills can impact how well you connect with them. This can be especially true when discussing sensitive issues. A person who communicates well can help clients feel comfortable discussing topics they might not have discussed with anyone before.
A good therapist is also able to empathize with their patients. This can mean recognizing and understanding the individual’s choices and feelings, even if those don’t align with the therapist’s views. For instance, a therapist who empathizes with a patient struggling to deal with anger might help the person identify their feelings of inadequacy that fuel their aggression.
A therapist’s communication skills can also be helpful when working with a client with cultural values that differ from the therapist’s. For example, a therapist may need to explain that specific prohibitions or traditions in the client’s culture may limit their treatment options. A good therapist communicates this respectfully and thoroughly with clients. This helps them provide the best possible treatment for their clients.
They’re Flexible
As you shop around for the right therapist, you may notice that they have a lot of initials after their names. These letters signify various credentials and professional associations they are a part of. While verifying that your therapist is licensed is essential, you should also consider how they approach their work and how they can adapt to meet your needs.
Your therapist should be able to articulate ideas and describe symptoms in ways that are easy for you to understand. They should be able to pick up on your emotions, body language, and verbal cues, and they will steer conversations toward you rather than their own experiences.
A good therapist will also practice self-care, find a healthy work-life balance, and maintain a robust social network to maintain their emotional stamina. This is because they know it will be difficult for them to help their patients if they don’t care for themselves. They will also seek out mentorship opportunities to learn about different approaches to therapy, client management strategies, and ethical considerations.
They’re Accessible
A good therapist will distill concepts and explain symptoms in ways that make sense to you, even though they’ve undergone years of schooling. They’ll also take the time to ask you questions and rephrase their explanations if you need help understanding them.
A great therapist will have clear treatment plans and discuss how they intend to help you, but they’ll be flexible enough to know that one approach only works for some. “They’ll consider your unique situation and find the best solution for you,” says a Chicago therapist.
It would help if you also looked for a therapist who doesn’t charge too much. Many therapists elect not to take insurance, and you may be able to find someone who offers a lower cash rate. Some psychologists provide a sliding fee scale based on your income. That can be an excellent option for people who have limited budgets. It would help if you asked any therapist you’re considering about their rates and payment options. Many will be happy to offer a free, brief consultation over the phone so you can get to know them and ask any questions.
They’re Open to Alternatives
When searching for a therapist, it’s worth considering someone who specializes in the type of treatment you’re looking for. For instance, seek out a psychiatrist if you want to attempt medication; seek out a qualified practitioner of cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Another quality you’ll want to look for is sensitivity toward your cultural background. Some therapists might not be aware of specific prohibitions or traditions that are important to you, so it’s helpful if they’re open to learning more about them.
You can also find a therapist right for you by searching your community. Many local mental health clinics have relationships with therapists and can connect you with one. Additionally, your university or insurance company may have a list of qualified therapists they work with. Consider asking friends and family for referrals. They can give you insight into a therapist’s personality and style. But remember that even if your loved ones recommend a therapist, they might not be the best fit for you.
