Choosing the Right Therapist
Getting the help of a therapist is an excellent way to improve your mental and emotional health and develop the skills you need to build a better life. However, you’ll only see excellent results if you work with the right psychotherapist.
But what exactly is the “right” psychotherapist? At the most basic level, they should have comprehensive education and training in psychotherapy and have extensive experience with helping patients. Of course, they should be licensed and certified in your state and a member of reputable psychotherapy organizations.
However, these aren’t the only things you should look for in a therapist. You should also ensure that they:
Have excellent interpersonal skills
Good psychotherapists are great listeners, and they have high levels of empathy and can quickly sense how others think and feel. They also exude a sense of warmth and acceptance and make their clients feel like they’re being heard. When you meet a good psychotherapist, you’ll instantly feel that 100 percent of their attention is on you and that they’re interested in what you have to say.
Know how to express themselves
Excellent therapists will use plain language to explain the causes behind your anxiety, depression, or other conditions and the right kind of therapy for you. They’ll also ensure that their explanations are based not on scientific theories but rather on your specific circumstances. These, in turn, allow you to easily understand what they say and ensure that you’ll find their explanations relevant and helpful to your situation.
Are highly flexible
You’ll know that you’re dealing with the right psychotherapist if they’re flexible — not just with scheduling issues but also with how they handle your treatment. They shouldn’t insist on following a certain course of therapy if it’s no longer helpful; rather, they should be willing to adapt their approach if there are any changes in your symptoms or life situation.
These are just some of the qualities that a good psychotherapist should have. If you’re in Mar Vista, CA, though, you don’t have to search far and wide for the right therapist since Sally Hackman PhD, MFT - Relationship Counseling is always here to help. Call me today at (310) 693-5546 to know more about my psychotherapy services!