How Can You Tell If a Therapist is the Right Fit?
The goal is to feel comfortable with them.
Here are some good signs the fit is present…
- You are able to be honest with them
- You feel safe with them
- You trust them
- They do not cancel sessions on you often
- They take and ask for feedback about how sessions are going and your preferences
- They do not tell you what to do but instead help you discover what the best choice is for you given your current situation
- They validate your feelings or experience
- You don’t have to re-explain things to them over and over again
Here are some signs this therapist might not be the right fit…
- You feel uncomfortable.
- You feel judged.
- You don’t see the possibility of changing comfortability level.
- Your therapist over shares about their personal life or problems (and it feels odd).
- They call you names or use condescending language.
- They try to be your friend or form a relationship outside of therapy office.
For some people, they might know if the therapist is a fit after the first session. For others, it might take 2-3 sessions to see comfortability or trust. Does it take you some time to connect with others? It might be the same for your therapist.
The therapeutic relationship is sacred and important. You as the client have the right to fire your therapist if the fit isn’t right. One therapist cannot be the right fit for every client out there, so don’t give up hope! You will find a therapist right for you.
This blog was written by Meredith Edelen, Marriage and Family Therapy Associate, CSW, MFTA. Learn more about Meredith here.
