The most important factor for a successful therapeutic journey is the relationship between a client and their mental health therapist.
Evidence shows that the trust built in therapy sessions is more important than the type of therapeutic techniques used.
But how do I know who is the “best therapist” for me?
Start by thinking about what mental health issues you want some help with. Are you looking for someone to help with anxiety, or perhaps you’ve experienced past trauma that you’d like to address.
Once you’ve made a short list of things to work on, consider the kind of therapist you’d like to see. If you’ve seen a therapist or counsellor before, it’s worth weighing up what you liked or didn’t like about them.
Which qualification or job title?
Navigating through all the different qualifications and titles of various mental health practitioners can be confusing.
A sea of Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Social Workers, and Clinical Psychologists are out there. We’ve written a handy post comparing all these different types of Practitioners.
The qualification or title is often the least important thing when looking for therapy.
You may be able to claim a Medicare rebate from a Psychologist or AMHSW with a GP referral. However, you may find that you need fewer sessions with your ‘perfect match’. So even without a rebate, seeing the right therapist may save you more than you would get back from Medicare.
What kind of person?
Next, have an idea of the kind of person you think you’d feel most comfortable talking to. Would you find it easier to trust a female professional rather than a male? Or maybe an older individual instead of a younger one? Do you want someone with a lived experience in the area you’re seeking help in?
There are no right or wrong answers here – it’s all about your personal preference.
How would you like to see your therapist?
Traditionally, most people would go to their therapist’s office and meet with them there.
In recent years, however, more people prefer Telehealth and having therapy by video link or even by phone call.
If you’d like to see someone in person, would you prefer someone who works close by? Or would you be happy to travel a little further for someone you felt was a better fit for you?
What hours are most convenient for you?
Are you someone who would prefer to have therapy in the morning before going to work? Or you might find evenings easier for your schedule. What about weekends?
All of these choices help you to find the ideal arrangement that works for you.
Find a psychologist or therapist who is best for you
Now you’re ready to start looking for the therapist that best suits your needs.
Most people will start by searching online through Google.
Ask friends, family members, or colleagues who have had therapy in the past. Their recommendations or feedback can also be helpful.
Your GP is also an excellent place to start. They may have a list of trusted psychologists and mental health practitioners in the area they refer patients to.
Once you have some ideas of who you should see, take a look at the practitioner profiles on the clinic website.
Each of our Practitioners lists their areas of experience and the approaches and therapeutic techniques they use in their detailed profiles.
You can think of these profiles as a sort of interview. Do you like the way they write, or the way their personality comes through? Do they seem like the kind of person you could build good rapport with?
Again, the real key to successful therapy is finding the right match for you.
Clinic receptionists are an excellent source for some guidance as well. Remember, they work with therapists all day, and know their clinic’s counsellors better than anyone else. Receptionists are always happy to provide an honest recommendation if you happen to get stuck.
The first session
After you have found a new therapist, the first session can be a little daunting, and that’s perfectly fine. Your Practitioner understands and has seen hundreds of other people for their first session.
You may click with your counsellor from the start, or it might take a little time for the therapeutic relationship to warm up. Some people might choose to try a few sessions with a therapist before making a final decision.
The best way to do therapy is the way that works best for you.
Do not feel disheartened if you leave the first session and feel like you did not connect with your therapist as well as you had hoped. We all have different personalities, and it’s natural that sometimes we don’t click perfectly.
At Safe Place Therapy, all our Practitioners genuinely value the importance of the relationship and the trust that forms. We will never feel offended or defensive if you feel that one of our Practitioners just isn’t quite right for you. In fact, we’re often the first to recommend someone else who may be a better fit for you.
Things to watch out for
Don’t fall for the line that one Practitioner is the ‘best’. This can be very subjective, and what is ‘best’ for someone else may not be right for you. While recommendations from friends might be great, also keep in mind that your needs are likely quite different from theirs.
Making a short list of different Practitioners is worthwhile. And then choose for yourself who you make a booking with from your list.
Some clinics offer ‘matching sessions’ where one therapist conducts an intake session with you. Afterward, the clinic might assign you to another therapist. However, we feel that this takes away your autonomy to make your own decisions about who you choose to see. You are the only person who can decide when you have the right match with a therapist.
Final comments
Finding the right therapist for you might seem like a daunting task at first. The qualifications, job titles, and methodologies can be a lot to navigate. However, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the Practitioner you choose to work with.
Our team of professionals offer counselling face to face in Melbourne or online Australia-wide.
View our team’s profiles here and find a good therapist you can be comfortable with.
