Author: Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist
Editor: EmptyCare team
Updated on: 29 November 2022
A therapeutic relationship offers the patient a long-lasting, consoling, and judgment-free environment. If we fall off a bike and break our foot, we go to the doctor for treatment. After assessing the severity and cause the wound the doctor will provide a diagnosis, which asks you to take painkillers, have your foot in a cast for a while. This process takes a month and now you're finally prepared to walk. As soon as you take your first stride you trip and fall again because your foot is still unsteady, weak, and you need support. This support comes in form of physiotherapy for the foot which slowly and steadily strengthen the muscle around the wound to regain the ability to walk, run, and jump once more.
Now consider the broken foot to be a mental wound, a trauma that was initially treated with medication and crisis intervention now requires a therapist to assist you overcome the trauma and be supportive in the journey. Therapy is not a quick fix as healing our minds takes time, and it may require multiple sessions before change starts happening. It is crucial that we find a skilled therapist who will help us with that process and any other concerns we need help with. But is it the right one for you? Let’s find out.
A good therapist is qualified to support us in ways that are perceptive, informed, sympathetic, and empowering while also providing a secure, non-judgmental environment for us to discuss our psychological distress. Here are some useful suggestions to keep in mind while selecting a therapist.
1. Choose a competent therapist, not the most convenient
While it's crucial to select a therapist who is close by and whose schedule is more accommodating, etc., doing so does not always put you in the greatest position. There will always be practical limitations, such as scheduling conflicts with work or school, but keep in mind that treatment doesn't always fit into free time.
Picking the first name that pops up on Google because it is "simple" or going to the first recommendation without doing any research may be quick but not beneficial because therapy is an active process on the client's side There aren't many trained therapists in India, so it could be a good idea to consider internet or online therapy to get better quality support from wherever you are. A strong therapeutic connection is rewarding and important, therefore it is more of a long-term investment in your mental, emotional and physical health than a cost.
2. Embrace your instincts
Before or after your initial meeting, discuss your feelings with the therapist to see how you feel. Ask yourself:
It's vital to remember that counselling is not a miracle solution. So, it's improbable that you'll undergo a dramatic transformation after the first few sessions. However, they might not be the ideal fit for you if you simply don't feel comfortable talking to them in the first few sessions. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on open communication about these challenges, and your therapist's response to your worries will frequently offer you a good indication of how they approach problems in the counselling setting.
3. Acknowledge their theoretical stance
The intervention strategy a therapist employs to address the client's specific psychological distress is known as a theoretical orientation. Most of the therapist structures an integrative approach curated from different schools of thought best suited for the client’s concerns. A client with knowledge of different approaches could choose a therapist based on their specializations or areas of expertise. Most therapists' websites and writings offer you a good indication of the methodology they employ. In order to identify the best fit for your needs and viewpoint, it is worthwhile to spend some time investigating and contrasting them.
4. Qualifications, Skills, Experience & Ethics
It is imperative to research a therapist's credentials prior to scheduling an appointment. A master's degree in Clinical, Counselling, Applied Psychology or other related subjects - from an accredited university or college is a prerequisite. In India, a lot of private organizations offer counselling "certificates" or "diplomas." Keep in mind that they cannot be used in place of degrees and do not qualify the holders to work with clients. Without professional training in the field, even psychiatrists are not always equipped to serve as psychotherapists or counsellors.
Confidentiality is the most crucial ethical principle since it ensures that what is discussed in a session stays private between the client and the therapist and should only be evoked in special cases (e.g., if the person is actively suicidal, if there is a risk of harm to somebody else, if it is court mandated etc.). To understand your rights and what you can require from an ethical therapist, it is worthwhile to research the codes of ethics for international certifying bodies like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) American Psychological Association (APA) or British Association for Counselling (BACP) and Psychotherapy.
5. A therapist who you can resonate with
Building a friendship with someone who is like you will be simpler and quicker. Although we don't believe it to be impossible, we do believe it is simpler to work with a therapist who you resonate with more, particularly if it's your first time settling into that environment. As an example, if you visit a therapist because the world feels overwhelming and you're attempting to understand and navigate what it means to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, then a person who identifies as a part of the community would likely be of most benefit.
6. Consent form before therapy starts
Consent form or therapy agreement is the formal written contract between the therapist and the client which states the required information regarding the ethics of the therapist. The agreement further contains information regarding the charges, scheduling and emergency contacts.
7. Therapy is not friendship
Good therapy is different from friendship in that it involves more than just lending a listening ear and a shoulder. It excludes soliciting counsel and imposing viewpoints. Because it puts up a mirror of truth that your friends can't because of their own biases, it might not always make you feel better. Therapists listen intently and empathically while keeping in mind complicated psychological theories, identifying patterns in thoughts and feelings, and assisting you in working through them. You should be able to express your weaknesses and psychological issues to them in a compassionate, non-judgmental environment.
Finding a most suitable therapist can make a major difference in your journey, whether you're dealing with grief, trauma, marital problems, or you want therapy for a mental health illness. Referrals from friends, co-workers, and medical professionals are frequently reliable. You may find it helpful to consider your concerns and chief complaints and goals for therapy before starting the process.
Choosing the most suitable therapist is ultimately a personal decision. Effective treatment is based on human connection, and you can develop that connection whether you speak with your therapist in person, over the phone, or online.
