What should I look for in a psychologist?
So, you’ve come to the decision that you’d benefit from working with a licensed psychologist. Now comes the next step: choosing the right one for you. But how do you know what you need to look for in a psychologist?
Here’s the thing: therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one client may not work for another. There are several professional—and personal—factors to consider. Some psychologists focus on certain areas, like clinical psychology, trauma psychology, or sports psychology. But one thing is clear: the most effective therapy happens when there is a good fit and connection between psychologist and client.
How do I narrow down the candidates?
There is some legwork to be done before you even begin your search for a licensed mental health professional. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you approach candidates:
What would you like to accomplish? Are you looking for a couples therapist, or someone to support you through your chronic illness? Keywords like these will be helpful in sorting through websites and databases.
What would help keep you committed to your session? Do you only want to have online sessions or is the office in an area with limited parking? These little factors don’t seem important but can be a barrier to attending sessions regularly and achieving your goals.
Does their voice resonate with you? Not only should you check websites for credentials, but you should pay attention to the tone of the website. Do they seem knowledgeable and up to date on cutting edge concepts for the industry? If the tone resonates, they may be a good fit.
Who would you like to work with? As your relationship with your therapist will impact your wellbeing, it may be important for you to consider who you may work best with. For instance, perhaps you would like a psychologist from the same cultural background, who identifies as the same gender as you, or someone who is an ally to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. However, please note that all psychologists are trained to work with you even if they don’t share the same background, values, and gender (to name only a few factors) as you.
Once you’ve narrowed down the candidates, it’s time to schedule consultation calls. These calls may take about 15 minutes and provide you with the opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions that may be important to you, and ask how the psychologist would approach your needs. Here are a few questions to consider as part of your interview process:
Where did you go to school? Have you received training in a particular area of focus?
How long have you been working in this field?
What is your current area of focus?
Do you have experience working with clients who have similar needs to mine?
What approaches and treatments do you offer?
How will I know if these approaches or treatments are working?
What are your fees and policies?
Finally, we suggest considering the connection you feel with the psychologist. To work with your specific needs, you may need to spend many hours with this professional, sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings. It’s important to feel supported, understood and listened to by someone who is respectful and non-judgmental. A good rapport with your psychologist will go a long way in working successfully through your goals and treatment.
Throughout the process, keep in mind that it’s not the end of the world if a psychologist proves not to be the best fit for your mental health issues. Don’t be afraid to advocate for your mental health, end your working relationship, and try someone new. Once you find the right one, you can work alongside each other to improve your mental health.
What makes for a “good” therapy session?
It’s time for your first therapy session. So, what can you expect? You can expect to have a clearer idea of whether your psychologist is a good fit and know whether you want to work with them again. You shouldn’t expect to have your unique concerns completely resolved in a single session.
Effective communication can be a key indicator of whether or not your therapy sessions will be successful. While a session may sometimes be uncomfortable or challenging, the psychologist should communicate clearly, fully explaining different terms and concepts. This ensures the client is completely aware of the risks and benefits associated with therapy or specific treatments.
A good therapy session will be laced with empathy, to help the client feel safe, heard, understood, and like their psychologist can help them make progress. Empathy helps build relationships, and the client-therapist relationship is paramount to achieving the goals of the sessions.
But one of the biggest indicators of effective therapy? Progress. You can work with the most competent psychologist around, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not any closer to your goals. This may be as simple as experiencing more joy and laughter or setting healthy boundaries with the people in your life.
It’s important to note that not making progress doesn’t mean the practitioner is unprofessional or incompetent. As we mentioned earlier in the blog, successful therapy is influenced by several factors, like the client’s needs, willingness to make therapeutic change, intervention approach, and the rapport between the client and the psychologist. If you’re not seeing progress, this may be a sign that you need a different practitioner.
Choosing the right therapist for you.
Choosing the best psychologist for you and your needs is so important to the success of the therapy. And it may take time to find someone you trust and connect with. However, the effort is well worth it. Imagine finding someone you can build a good rapport with, who is equally invested in helping you grow and achieve your goals—just think of how your life may improve.
Here at OPA, we can help you find the right licensed psychologist to help you address your specific mental health needs. Visit AskForHelpToday.ca to find the right professional for you.