Wholeness Healing Center

Choosing a Therapist

Choosing a therapist may depend on what the situation is, how severe the symptoms for your family are, and how well members of your family work together. However, if a therapist is to be truly effective and help the family in the best way possible, it is important to scrutinize carefully and choose wisely. These are some suggestions that may help when choosing a therapist:

1) Choose a therapist who is able to use a variety of treatments, beginning with the least intrusive. It is okay for parents to ask what special trainings, conferences, extra studies therapists have been to and trained in. A well-rounded therapist will have many resources and may be able to better assist you in your healing.

2) Choose a therapist who uses a systemic approach. Working with the family will have greater effects and long-term success than one who works only with individuals. A person who makes the change himself/herself may not continue if there is no change reflected within the family. For this reason, parents should always be included in any treatment plan and part of the team for their child. The parents are the EXPERTS when it comes to their children, and a good therapist will recognize and acknowledge this and ask for input. Monitor the therapy carefully and ask for updates. Again, it is imperative that everyone involved be working together.

3) Don’t be bullied into something that you know/feel is wrong for your family. Ask questions if you don’t understand the direction of the therapy and question anything you feel may be something you cannot follow through with. Trust your instinct as a parent.

4) Be willing to learn and try new and different techniques and strategies. Develop a respectful working relationship with the therapist so you can trust where he/she is going with the therapy.

Clients should feel respected, supported, and understood as a therapist works with the family.

It is also important that you feel a connection with your therapist. If after several sessions, you do not feel like you have this, talk to your therapist about this. Rather than quit therapy because of a poor connection with the therapist, ask for another therapist to be considered. A good therapist will gladly make a referral and assist you in continuity and consistency of services.

Tags: chossing a therapist, things to consider when choosing a counselor or therapist