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.
- 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.
- 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.
- You feel heard and understood. Validates you, your thoughts and emotions.
- Your welfare is their priority during session and in goal planning.
- Feedback is given and received gently.
- They earn your trust and respect.
- They provide a range of solutions; help you understand the pros of each and assist you in choosing what’s best for you.
- They make you self-aware even outside of therapy.
- You observe progress and consistency in your positive behavior.
- They provide you with tools and make sure you are not dependent on them or therapy.
- They are open to considering other alternatives.
- They establish therapist-client boundaries and respect them at all costs.
- Monisha Preetha M, Psychologist/founder of Althea Psychological Centre