How Should You Pick a Therapist? What Should You Consider?

"When meeting a therapist for the first time, ask yourself, 'Will this be a good therapist to work with?' Most coaches advise you to interview the company that is interviewing you. You are considering working there. Is it a good fit? Of course, they are interviewing you because they are looking for someone to fill a vacancy. That's their goal. But you need to keep your goal in mind, too."

"In the description of their practice, do they seem to suggest that they can 'treat' everything-e.g., anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, eating disorders, etc.? Research suggests that no therapist or counselor is good at working with every type of problem. In one study of twelve kinds of problems, most therapists were good at treating six."

"Other aspects of what you read online may be orange or red flags. For example, frequent errors in writing may suggest a lack of care and attention to detail, which could understandably make you wonder how careful they are with confidentiality and record keeping."

When meeting a potential therapist, treat the initial consultation as an interview to evaluate compatibility and suitability. Before the meeting, research the therapist's online presence through Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and their website. Look for red flags such as claims of treating every type of problem, as research shows most therapists excel with only about six types of issues. Writing errors and lack of attention to detail online may indicate careless record-keeping or confidentiality practices. During the first session, assess whether the therapist asks about your specific therapy goals and demonstrates genuine interest in understanding your needs rather than simply filling a vacancy.

Read at Psychology Today