Getting it right matters if you’re serious about taking the first, and necessary, step towards mental and emotional well being – finding a good therapist. When you take into account how many types of therapists and therapeutic approaches exist, it’s hard to know where to begin. Yet matching up with the right match is essential to a successful therapeutic journey. Here are key steps to help you to navigate the process of choosing a therapist and to make sure you find a therapist who is right for you:
1. Identify Your Goals and Needs
Before you start looking for a therapist, what do you need? Do you want to solve problems with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, general life or to grow personally? Narrowing down your therapy options can be as simple as clarifying your goals: then you know you want a therapist specializing in those areas. While some therapists are experts in certain areas — grief, addiction, parenting, for example — other therapists tend to be more general counselors. You can find the best therapist in Dubai through Counsel Clinic.
2. Think of the Therapist’s Credentials and Expertise
Therapists come from several backgrounds such as in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy and counseling. Make sure you find people who are licensed and for that matter qualified to provide therapy for your state or country. LPC, LMFT, LCSW, and Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) are common licenses.
Apart from credentials, also consider how many years the therapist has been working on solving your issue/ condition. For instance, if it’s trauma and you are a patient then a therapist who is well versed in trauma focused therapy would be more beneficial than someone who specializes in general counseling.
3. Try Researching Different Therapy Approaches.
A lot of therapeutic techniques exist, and you need to try a few until you find one that suits you. Some common therapeutic modalities include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Aims to transform negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Tries to explain current behavior through unconscious patterns and past experiences.
- Humanistic Therapy: Stresses personal growth & self actualization in a positive client focused environment.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): The focus is teaching emotional regulation and mindfulness skills to teach them.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Used often to treat trauma and PTSD.
If you want to use a particular technique, find therapists who use that technique.
4. Therapist’s Personality and Approach.
You and your therapist have an extremely strong relationship, so therapy is very personal. Ideally you should find a therapist that makes you feel comfortable, respected and understood. Make sure you feel listened to and the therapist’s communication is a match for you.
Some find that a more structured, goal oriented therapist works better, while others please with a more nurturing and conversational style. Try to think about what style of therapy will make you feel ease and support when it comes to your emotions and your challenges.
5. Availability and accessibility.
When choosing a therapist, don’t forget the practical ones like availability, location and fees. Check that they offer office hours which fit into your schedule, and think about whether you’d prefer in person or online therapy.
Moreover, think of the therapist’s fees and if he/she is insured. Unfortunately, many therapists do not accept insurance and have a fixed price but instead offer a sliding scale for their clients who lack insurance or have limited finances, so do not be afraid to ask about payment.
6. Initial consultation
You can also talk to many therapists for an initial consultation, either in person or virtually, to see how their style and personality work for you. Take this time to question if you are comfortable with the therapist. Some questions to consider asking include:
- What experience have you had with my own specific concern or condition?
- To what do you specialize in therapy?
- What will happen in our sessions, and how do you approach treatment?
- How do you deal with confidentiality and privacy?
- How much do you charge and what availability do you have?
When you’re in this consultation, trust your gut. If you feel comfortable and at ease, understood and respected then it may be a sign this therapist is a good fit for you.
7. Evaluate Your Comfort Level
The most important part of what makes therapy work is that you feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. If you’re fitted in your first few sessions you feel uncomfortable then you might wish to find another option. Progress can only be made when you build a trusting relationship with your therapist so if you feel that you do not trust them, don’t be afraid to change therapists.
8. Trust Your Instincts
It really comes down to finding a therapist you feel like you can trust. It’s also vulnerable, and you want someone who makes you feel safe and supported. And if you feel like you’re just not quite right for a therapist you should go seek someone else if you want to. What you are trying to find is someone who is interested in helping you and healing you.
Conclusion
A crucial step to your mental wellness journey is picking a great therapist. This helps you to find the right therapist for you by identifying your needs, evaluating your comfort level with potential therapists, and looking at the therapist’s approach and credentials. Therapy is not a one and done thing, and it may take time to find the right therapist, but it’s a step towards healing, being more self aware, and positive change. To get the best therapy in Dubai it is therefore important to consider a number of factors to make the appropriate decision..