By Akanksha Sharma
I would like to commend all those who are reading this article for taking the pro active decision of seeking out therapy. Given the immense stigma associated with taking help for mental health in India, it is definitely not easy to take the courageous and bold step of visiting a therapist. As a self-aware person, you the reader, have realized that your mental health is suffering. Indeed, seeking therapy for poor mental health is as critical as visiting a general practitioner in case of a viral infection. That’s why it’s very important to choose the right person, for your first therapy session. The first session can be a make or break, and if it is a negative experience, then you have wasted your precious time and money. Further, you may be turned off therapy forever. Therefore, it’s my duty to discuss some very important qualities you need to keep an eye out for, while you go about the process of choosing a Therapist.
These are some of the questions you should keep in mind while selecting a therapist. Additionally, you can read reviews, call them up and ask some questions about the various services they offer. Also, ask trusted friends for references of good therapists. These are a few tips that can kick-start your searching process.
1. Is the therapist non-judgemental?
When you are opening your heart, soul, emotions and secrets out to someone, the last thing you want to feel, is that you are being judged by them. You know when you are around a judgemental person. There vibes are very clear, and you end up feeling very conscious around them. If your therapist is non-judgemental, you will feel comfortable around them. This in turn will help you share your true thoughts and feelings with them, which is a critical key of the entire therapeutic process.
2. Are they an attentive listener?
A key skill that a good therapist must have, is that of attentive listening. From a therapists’ perspective, it is critical that we listen to everything the client is saying. Furthermore, it helps to re-summarize and then ask the client if we have understood what they said correctly. Even a small piece of information revealed by the client can provide the key to unlocking their healing.
3. Can they relate to you and your problems culturally?
In a country which is as heterogenous as India, psychologists can come from a number of different backgrounds and cultures. And while differences do not stop a person from being a good Psychologist, they do raise an obstacle, which is that of relatable-ness. A 50 year old Psychologist from a traditional background, may not necessarily be able to relate or to empathize well with the anxieties of a 29 year old modern young woman. Therefore, you should ideally look for a Psychologist who will be able to relate to you and your problems culturally.
4. Are they a specialist in the kind of therapy you are looking out for?
There are many different challenges that you may be experiencing such as panic attacks, social anxiety, long-lasting depression, challenges in personal relationships, fear, trauma, navigating the workplace etc. Make sure to look for a therapist you specializes in the kind of problem areas you are facing. In all likelihood, they will have had more experience with situations similar to yours, and so may be able to better help you.
5. Are they open to questions and constructive feedback?
You will have many questions about your therapy process, about your session, about the time it may take for you to heal and progress on the journey to recovery. A good therapist should be open to your questions, comments as well as constructive feedback. If they get offended or defensive over such questions, then that is a red flag. There is no room for ego and arrogance in therapy, and you should steer clear off the therapists who have those vibes.
So, keep these points in mind while choosing a therapist, and it will surely minimize your chances of having a bad experience. If you liked this article, then please share it with the people you care about. Stay tuned to our section on Mental Health Inspiration for more such content. Keep loving and keep supporting!
About the Author
Akanksha Sharma is a Psychological Counsellor, Mental Health Writer and Founder of Indspire Me. You can write to her at akanksha.sharma158@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.
