There are many factors which influence how beneficial the process of psychotherapy will be: The severity of the presenting problem(s), your motivation as an individual and client, the skill level of the therapist, and even the extent to which you believe therapy will work.
One of the most important factors for success in therapy is the relationship between a client and their therapist. Therapy is a treatment that is based on a two-way emotional experience: That of client and therapist. Many of the healing benefits of psychotherapy can be found within the nature and fit of that relationship.
Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task, but we know it’s essential for success. So, how do you find the right one?
Some qualities of a good therapist to be on the lookout for can include:
- Transparency and honesty
- Shared/collaborative decision-making
- Mutual trust, respect, and caring
- Joint engagement in treatment
- Agreement on the goals and tasks of therapy
- The freedom to share any negative emotional responses
- The ability to correct any problems or difficulties that may arise in the relationship
- The ability to talk about the “here-and-now” aspects of the relationship with each other
What Type Of Therapy Is Right For Me?
When figuring out the right therapist for you, it is also important to consider what type of therapeutic approach might be best for your needs. This is essential because different therapists utilize varying approaches and therapy orientations in conceptualizing and working through issues with you. Different forms of therapy might include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
- Interpersonal Therapy
The majority of therapists will practice at least one or more of these therapeutic techniques.
Each technique may have its own specialized effectiveness in treating a certain problem. For instance, dialectical behavior therapy has been proven to be highly effective in treating individuals with personality disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be your best option if you’re looking to overcome depression or anxiety.
The best way to find the right therapist is to speak with one. At NKS Therapy, we offer all new clients a free 15-minute consultation so they can describe their issues and ask questions.
What Questions Should I Ask My Potential Therapist?
When looking for a therapist, ask questions aimed at determining if it will be a good match. This helps you better understand what you’re seeking in therapy, as well as the techniques the therapist uses. Some questions to ask your therapist might include:
- Who is your ideal client?
- What certifications and licenses do you have?
- How long have you been practicing?
- How much do you charge?
When you’re looking for more specific details to determine the potential “fit” you can ask:
- What are your strengths and limitations as a therapist?
- What is your approach to helping clients? Are you more direct or do you prefer to guide?
- Have you done therapy yourself?
Then, when deciding on certain goals and timelines you can ask:
- How long would our sessions be? And how often would we meet?
- What kind of homework or readings do you give, if any?
- How should I prepare for my first session?
How Can I Tell My Therapist Will Be A Good Fit For Me?
With everything we discussed, how can you tell if a therapist might be a good fit for you? You won’t know for sure until you have a few sessions together, but from your initial consultation, ask yourself the following:
- Did you feel comfortable?
- Did you feel unconditionally accepted?
- Did you feel heard?
- Does your therapist use an approach that works for you and your specific issues?
- Is their fee within your budget?
At NKS Therapy, we believe in the magic that happens when a client finds their therapist. We know because we’ve all experienced it. That’s why we offer all clients a free 15-minute video consultation with any of our therapists. There is never an obligation to book. We take pride in the diversity and expertise of our team of therapists, and in offering our clients a range of pricing options for sessions.
Find your Therapist today. Book your free Meet and Greet at NKS Therapy.
