How To Tell If A Therapist Is A Good Match

Ready to embark on a mental health journey with a psychotherapist? Good for you! This is an important and exciting step towards better mental health. We also realize that it can feel daunting to begin searching for a therapist. Picking therighttherapist foryouis really important. Success in therapy is greatly determined by the quality of the client-therapist relationship. Most negative experiences in therapy are related to match. This leads us to the question: how do you know that a particular therapist is a good match for you? 

Everyone is different and their needs vary greatly. Thankfully, there are a lot of good therapists who use a wide variety of approaches. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all situation. That said, not all therapists are created equal. In fact, one person’s perfect therapist might be a terrible match for another. Finding the right therapist for your unique needs can be tricky. Yet, it is absolutely achievable – and well worth the effort.

Here are 6 points to consider when finding a good therapist match for you:

1. There’s Good Communication

A good therapist values open communication. They listen to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. They aim to create a safe space for you to express yourself. If you feel judged, you may share that experience and see how the therapist responds. If you feel that the therapist responds defensively, this may not be the right fit. A sign of a good match is when you do open up about your feelings, the therapist responds with understanding. We all say things that can be misinterpreted from time to time. The important thing is that the therapeutic relationship prioritizes repair. As in any relationship, it’s important to feel empowered to communicate your needs and expectations.

2. You Are Feeling Understood 

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective therapy. Being heard and feeling understood is the key to a successful therapeutic relationship. A good therapist demonstrates empathy and understanding of your experiences, emotions, and perspective. They provide support during challenging times and walk alongside you through life’s struggles. Feeling a genuine connection with your therapist enhances the therapeutic experience. A good therapist works to understand. If you find that your therapist “gets” you and acknowledges your feelings, it’s a positive sign. They may challenge you at times, but it’s done with respect and care.

3. Your Boundaries Are Respected

If you are uncomfortable discussing something, the right therapist will honor that. If you want to take things at your own pace, a good fit will honor that too. He/She/They may ask you to describe your fears about opening up, in order to understand and empathize with you. The right therapist will not rush you into exploring topics that you may not be ready to discuss. However, they may welcome you to sit with any feelings of fear that show up in early sessions. Feeling safe to set boundaries in the therapeutic process is essential for trust.

4. There Is Flexibility Around Goals and Progress

A good therapist collaborates with you to set goals for therapy. If the word “goals” feels overwhelming early on, you can agree on the general focus of therapy. The therapist will help you track progress and celebrate achievements – small or large – along the way. If you can feel positive changes and a sense of progress, this suggests you may have found a good match.

Additionally, life is dynamic, and so should be therapy. A good therapist will help you adjust your goals and adapt their approach to meet your needs. Ideally, you are looking for flexibility and openness. Can they adjust their approach to meet your individual needs? If so, it’s a positive sign that they are flexible and committed to your growth.

5. They Are Qualified

What we are about to say may seem obvious but is worth sharing: Ensuring your therapist has the right qualifications for your specific issues is crucial. For certain challenges, you may do well with a student trainee. Depending on the training program and supervisor, this could be a win-win. You end up paying less and get the benefit of the traineeandtheir supervisor.

At Nashville Psych, our trainees are supervised by experienced therapists and psychologists. If your issue is more complex, you may be better off with licensed professionals with higher levels of training and more experience in the field. 

Additionally, a good match involves working with someone who has the expertise to address your specific concerns. Not every therapist works with every presenting issue or uses every approach to therapy. Make sure that the therapist works with the specific set of issues that you are bringing. It is also important that they work in modalities that you think will be effective for you. For example, if you are dealing with anxiety, ensure that your therapist has training in that area.

6. The Therapist is Self-Aware

Finally, therapists, like everyone else, have complicated histories. They face challenges and stresses in their lives. As a client, it is important to seek a therapist who is self-aware and psychologically healthy.

By attending therapy, clinicians allow themselves to navigate their own inner world. By doing so, they gain insights and often have a deeper understanding of themselves and others.This personal experience enhances their ability to empathize with clients, creating an effective therapeutic relationship. It also helps in cases when your challenges somehow remind them of their own. Good therapists regularly work on themselves to ensure that their own issues don’t hinder their clients’ progress.  

The Path To The Right Therapist Match

Overall, choosing the best therapist for you is a personalized process, unique to each individual. In the right hands, you will feel understood, supported, and safely guided.  Positive therapeutic relationships are partnerships built on trust, respect, and shared goals. The therapeutic relationship is a major predictor of successful outcomes in therapy. Taking the time to find the right fit is a significant step toward achieving positive mental health outcomes.

If you are looking for a therapist, our Client Care team is ready to help. We are dedicated to learning about your needs and carefully matching you with a therapist who meets your needs. Simply give us a call at (615) 582-2882 or send us an email at clientcare@nashvillepsych.com. If we aren’t a good fit, we are always happy to send you some referrals to other trusted clinicians in our community and beyond.