What Should You Look For In A Therapist?

There are many reasons you might feel the need to seek therapy. Perhaps it’s a dissatisfaction with your current life, you have unresolved issues that need to be worked through, or you’re troubled by a recurring mental condition.  As a culture, we tend to lean heavily on prescription medications, often without benefit of corresponding therapy to address the underlying reasons for taking it in the first place. Research shows that the best prognoses come from weekly therapy along with medication. The ultimate goal is to feel confident in one’s self and the ability to face life’s challenges without the aid of mood-stabilizing drugs. Introspective analysis can change destructive thinking and behavior leading to better more lasting outcomes.

As with other medical professionals, not all therapists are created equal, so when considering therapy, there are several important things to look for. The most basic search involves finding a qualified, licensed professional who is a good financial fit for you and works within the area where you live, unless, of course, you’re seeking therapy online, which is also an option.

Once you’ve found therapists who satisfy these criteria, narrow the possibilities down to someone experienced in working with your particular issue. Many people don’t know it, but therapists tend to work with a specific clientele or type of issue. Austin’s David Karnes specializes is treating people who have experienced trauma and the disorders that result, such as PTSD, depression, and/or specific and generalized anxiety. That isn’t to say that he doesn’t treat clients outside that range, but someone who works in your area of need is particularly well equipped to address your specific issue.

Many studies have found that the most important aspect of therapy is a good therapeutic alliance, or working relationship, between therapist and client.  You should feel a strong sense of trust so that you can speak openly and honestly in order to reach shared goals.  Your therapist should respect you as a client and genuinely care about your situation and how you are progressing in treatment. Therapy sessions should be a judgement-free time and space where you feel comfortable saying whatever you need to without concern.

A therapist should be adaptable and sensitive to you as an individual, outlining the treatment plan and how it will lead to wellness. However, while many mental health professionals have a well-tested outline of their approach to treatment for certain issues, this shouldn’t take precedence over your specific needs.

Experience is a good thing, but someone who hasn’t updated their views on treatment since they graduated 30 years ago might not be aware of current research and therapies. Find out if a therapist regularly attends continuing education to stay abreast of modern psychological literature, as this may give you a sense of how flexible and adaptable they might be during treatment. It is not necessary to find the most cutting edge practitioner out there, but you should be confident that you are being treated with methods that have been shown to work with people in your situation.

It is natural to feel discomfort at times during therapy as you come to new realizations and discuss things you might have resisted addressing before. However, you should feel comfortable and secure that you are being heard, understood and helped by your therapist.