At Viva we understand that finding the right therapist for you is often harder than it sounds. Client-therapist match is something we’ve discussed in our previous post Client-Therapist Match: Key to Successful Mental Health Therapy. Today we hope to share some more thoughts on things you can look for in your potential new therapist, and answer the question of how to find the right therapist for you.
Building Trust and Safety
For most people, opening up to a therapist is the last thing we’d like to do. However, we also recognize that having a trusted outside perspective is key to gaining more insight, learning to manage symptoms, and improving quality of life.
One key benefit of working with a licensed therapist is the confidentiality you have as a client. This sense of privacy is not only ethical, it’s also legal. What is said in therapy is meant to say in “the room” legally. There are a few exceptions, most notably when someone is in immediate physical danger. If you have further questions about the limits of confidentiality, discuss it in your initial phone consultation or first therapy session.
It’s important to feel safe in the therapy. Confidentiality is one key way we feel safe enough to try and open up about our deepest thoughts and feelings.
Clear Communication
The right therapist for you will embrace clear communication in your work together. While every therapist has their own unique ways of communicating, mental health professionals are trained in healthy communication.
It should be relatively clear to you what therapy might entail, the goals that you’re working on, and expectations for the therapeutic relationship. I’ll be first to admit that sometimes therapists live in our own head and use clinical, professional jargon to explain many things. However, it is the therapist’s responsibility to communicate as clearly as possible so you are able to give informed consent about what’s happening in the room.
The right therapist for you will also create space for you to ask further questions for clarification. They will also take your input into consideration when outlining therapy goals and expectations.
Shared Values & Beliefs
Therapists are generally supposed to avoid talking too much about themselves. This helps reduce the risk of taking up time spent on the therapist in session. But, it can be important to recognize some shared core beliefs, especially as they relate to the ideas you’re hoping to explore in therapy.
Your therapist should respect your worldview and help you understand how to see your concerns with even greater awareness. Sometimes that also leads to challenging some thoughts and beliefs that may be unintentionally impacting your progress. While this sort of feed back can be hard to hear, it’s also critical for progress.
The right therapist for you will respect your personal beliefs as well as demonstrate reverence for your cultural background and other identities. Sharing mutual respect allows for more honest and thorough work to take place within therapy.
Talk to Your (Potential) Therapist Openly
The therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the space of therapy. It’s OK to take time to consider whether you and your potential therapist are aligned in these principles as you begin.
Remember that if you have concerns about any of these topics, explore them with your therapist. It may even help you get the information you need to make the best decision for you moving forward.
At Viva we have a clear and easy answer to the question of how to find the right therapist for you!
Simply submit a request for a therapy consultation. We’ll be in touch 1-2 business days to set you up with a talented therapist on our team. We have therapists in states across the U.S. all with unique personal and professional backgrounds. We are ready to offer you the space to discover more mental health and wellness.
And if you have further questions, head to our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
