Finding a good therapist is more difficult than finding a good partner. In this article, I've mentioned 12 easy to observe signs that will serve you as tool to identify a qualified therapist.

  1. First and most significant sign is their educational qualification. Researching about that on their websites or directly asking them about it is necessary. BEWARE OF PSEUDO-PSYCHOLOGISTS. A Master's in psychology is a mandatory qualification for a psychologist. They should be trained and registered.
  2. Good communicator – active listening, understanding your body language, exhibiting a comfortable body language, helping you to open up in conversation, using the right words and tone.
  3. You feel heard and understood. Validates you, your thoughts and emotions.
  4. Your welfare is their priority during session and in goal planning.
  5. Feedback is given and received gently.
  6. They earn your trust and respect.
  7. They provide a range of solutions; help you understand the pros of each and assist you in choosing what’s best for you.
  8. They make you self-aware even outside of therapy.
  9. You observe progress and consistency in your positive behavior.
  10. They provide you with tools and make sure you are not dependent on them or therapy.
  11. They are open to considering other alternatives.
  12. They establish therapist-client boundaries and respect them at all costs. 

- Monisha Preetha M, Psychologist/founder of Althea Psychological Centre