How Do I Select a Qualified Counselor?
Today, we're discussing why the relationship with your therapist matters, and how you can find a qualified professional that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Why Consider Therapy?
Before you think about choosing a counselor, you should think about why you want therapy in the first place. While anyone can benefit from therapy, some people experience specific issues that make therapy especially beneficial. These include:
- If you feel a prolonged or overwhelming sense of sadness or helplessness, which doesn't seem to improve despite your best efforts and help from friends and family.
- You find it hard to perform everyday activities or are unable to concentrate on assignments at work, causing your job performance to suffer.
- You find yourself worrying excessively, ruminating over the past or future, or seem to expect the worst outcome in every situation.
- Your actions are harmful either to yourself or others: For instances, you may turn to alcohol and drugs or you may become aggressive or especially argumentative.
Again, while these issues suggest the need for therapy; anyone can experience positive outcomes when they talk to a qualified therapist, who can listen and offer expert guidance, while suggesting strategies that promote mental well-being.
Choosing a Counselor
When choosing a counselor, it's important to find a qualified person who makes you feel comfortable enough to open up about your feelings and experiences. This involves assessing both the person's qualifications and the way he or she makes you feel. You can do this by:
Asking about their background. When choosing a therapist, you will want to make sure he or she has training in the area for which you are seeking help. Whether it's relationship counseling, career counseling, marriage counseling, child or teen counseling or general therapy; it's important to choose someone who has the expertise to help with your individual issues.
Asking about their approach. A good therapist will combine commonly accepted therapy practices and methods with proven, innovative techniques that help you overcome issues and live the life you want. Your therapist should also have a doctoral or master's degree in psychology or counseling, along with specialized training in specific areas of therapy.
Asking about availability. Depending on your situation, you may need a counselor who is flexible enough to accommodate your busy schedule. At the same time, you will want to make sure the therapist will be available if you experience an unexpected emotional crisis. Ideally, you should look for someone who can offer flexible early morning, daytime, evening and Saturday appointments. If it seems like you may have trouble getting in to see your counselor when you need to, consider looking elsewhere for help.
Meeting for a consultation. Since therapists and clients work together, it's important to find someone that makes you feel comfortable. Once you've verified the therapist's competence and credentials, you will want to meet with him or her to determine your level of personal comfort and ease. A good therapist should be able to offer caring, expert assistance in a warm and inviting environment, built around personal respect. If it seems like you may have difficulty establishing a rapport, you may find it difficult to be open and relax.
Our caring therapists can help you live your best life. Contact us for a free consultation today!
