How do I know I’m seeing the right psychotherapist?

Once you have met with your psychotherapist a few times you should ask yourself whether the therapist you are meeting with is the right fit for you.  Here are some ways to determine if the counsellor you are meeting is right for you:

• Does your therapist provide a safe environment?  Do you feel comfortable disclosing the intimate details of your life?
• Does your therapist understand the risks you have taken and respond to you in a supportive, caring manner?
• Does your counsellor treat you with respect and dignity?
• Is your therapist non-judgmental?
• Do you feel your counsellor is ethical?

Your therapist should be able to provide you with a ‘roadmap’ of where you are going.  Your therapist should be able to describe what is happening in the counselling room and his (or her) (for simplicity for the remainder of the article I will use the pronoun ‘he’ because I am a male therapist) reasons for approaching things in a particular way.  Your therapist should be able to describe the theoretical framework being used in language you can understand. 

Look for someone who shows interest and curiosity in what matters to you; someone who will ask questions to probe for more information; someone who shows empathy and understanding about the issues you are facing.

Your counsellor is someone who has a set of skills that help him to listen attentively and to help you to explore your situation by asking thoughtful questions.  This is your counsellor’s area of expertise.  However, you are the expert on your life.  You are the person who can identify when you have been successful and when you have run into barriers.  Your counsellor should be able to ask questions so you can gain alternative perspectives or new ways of looking at your situation. Your counsellor should be able to ask you questions that make you reflect, observe, understand, and gain insight in order that you can make choices or take steps towards a new solution.

To read the full article, click here: How do I know I’m seeing the right psychotherapist?

Jeremy Tomlinson, M.Ed., R.S.W
20 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 445
Toronto, ON, M4P 1A9
416 486 2161
jeremy@alternativehorizon.com