Hannah Grace
Finding the right therapist is essential in your journey towards recovery. After you’ve understood your condition, looking for the treatment you need is next. There are a lot of therapists available in every field who can provide that treatment. These are the traits that separate the good ones from the rest:
Possesses High Level of Education and Experience
A good therapist usually has a Master’s or Doctorate degree in fields such as Psychology, Psychiatry, or Counseling. He also has years worth of experience to prove his competency and holds a local or state license. You can’t expect much from new practitioners and capable ones are quite rare. In contrast, you can completely trust a professional with expertise in handling cases similar to yours.
Has a Warm Personality
After getting past the uncertainty to tell a complete stranger all your problems, your therapist should usher you well into therapy. Therapists are normal people like you. You need to feel like they are not strict figures of authority. Comfort is necessary for communication. You can be yourself and talk honestly with someone who accepts you. Likewise, you can question them if you have to. A competent therapist uplifts you and makes you comfortable enough to share your problems, without making you forget to work on your issues outside the session.
Empathetic
A good therapist aids their client, not assuming firsthand that he already knows the what’s right for them. He first listens before providing his assessment. He must be able and willing to put himself in your shoes despite difference in perspective. Furthermore, he can help you identify your blind spots and empower you to take the necessary-sometimes difficult-action that will improve your situation.
Genuine
You can sense that they have real concern for you and your welfare. They express sincere interest in what you say. For instance, their words and body language match–they maintain eye contact as you speak. An experienced practitioner gives out a sense of authenticity which complements their therapeutic skills. When you see him as a true person with proper ability, you gain confidence in your therapy.
Non-Judgmental/Open-Minded
Respect is vital in therapy. You can’t go far if your therapist doesn’t consider your views. He must not impose his personal values on you. No client continues sharing information knowing that they will be judged. Therapy doesn’t allow criticism. After all, you sought intervention because you may have already experienced judgement in the outside world. A competent therapist takes off his private self before stepping into his workplace.
Can Establish Rapport
As the foundation of a relationship between a therapist and a client, rapport secures healing. Altogether, the traits previously discussed lead to this. A good therapist can create an atmosphere of trust between you that endures from the first session up to the end.
Without a doubt, all of these qualities ensure that you’re in good hands. Having the right therapist is like already covering a quarter of your healing process. You can ask those you know, your doctor, or a local clinic to help you find one. A strong recommendation is best. Don’t hesitate to keep looking until you’re positive you’ve made the right choice.
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