It’s not always easy to open up about personal topics like mental health, addiction, or family problems. Finding the right therapist can make a world of difference; then again, finding the right therapist isn’t always easy, either. It can take more than one try to connect with a mental health professional, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Here are eight signs that you may have found the right therapist for you:
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You Feel Safe.
When you decide to go to therapy, you want to find a space where you feel comfortable opening up about topics that might make you feel uneasy. Most people seek therapy to talk about deeply-rooted fears and desires, making it crucial for your therapist to make you feel comfortable opening up about anything that comes up in your sessions. The right therapist will provide a safe space by creating a consistent, confidential atmosphere that allows you to explore your troubles in peace.
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You Can Be Honest.
Some of the topics explored in therapy may be things you haven’t shared with anyone before. To make the most of your therapy sessions, you need to be able to talk about your issues with complete honesty. Although this can be difficult at first, once you have found the right therapist, you will be able to speak your honest truth because you know that you’re in a space that is safe and judgment-free. When you can start to speak freely about your innermost thoughts and feelings, even if they don’t feel or sound good, you can start to regain your power and make progress in therapy.
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You Feel Heard.
Opening up can be hard, especially when it’s about topics that are causing you pain or distress. You may have tried reaching out to someone in the past, only to be met with judgment or invalidation. When you find the right therapist, you will start to feel like you are being listened to and understood. The right therapist will make you feel like you are being heard, make you feel like your feelings are truly important, and show you empathy. They will not make you feel judged or criticized. Feeling truly heard can be one of the most empowering and important parts of your therapeutic process.
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You Feel Validated.
A sure sign that you’ve found a good therapist is that you feel validation for your thoughts, emotions, actions, and experiences. Validation is a powerful resource that can work wonders for your overall mental health. This doesn’t mean that your therapist is going to agree with everything you say; that would be seeking approval. Validation means they’ll tell you that your thoughts and feelings are real, are allowed, and deserve attention. Validation from a therapist means that they acknowledge that the things you tell them are your true experiences.
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They Have Your Best Interest in Mind.
The right therapist is there to help you find resources that are specific to your individual needs. They won’t force you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you do not want to do. This includes decisions about treatment, such as prescribed medications and therapeutic methods.
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They’re a Strong Communicator.
Strong communicators listen more than they speak. Listening is one important part of a therapist’s job, and being an educator is another. When your therapist speaks, you should be able to understand exactly what they are saying. Using a lot of technical, scientific terms doesn’t always indicate that someone is a good match. The right therapist will ask you questions to make sure that you understand them, and when you don’t, they will always be willing to re-explain until you’re on the same page.
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You Trust Them.
Trust is necessary when exposing your deepest darkest secrets. A 2019 study found that trust is the most important ingredient between a therapist and a client. While it can take time to develop deep trust with your therapist, once you do, you’ll be able to reach stronger levels of healing.
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You Can Feel the Difference.
While your troubles won’t all go away after one session (or even a couple), the right therapist will bring about a noticeable change in the way you feel over time. Treatment length can vary depending on the person, but the initial effects of therapy can appear within a month of starting treatment. According to the American Psychological Association, it takes an average of 15-20 sessions for a person to resolve mental health symptoms. Although the differences may be small at first, the right therapist will help you use those small differences as stepping stones to achieve powerful and long-lasting change.
Making the decision to start therapy can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. The very thought of opening up to a stranger can bring on its own feelings of anxiety and discomfort. When you are ready to get help and invest in your mental health, finding the right therapist is a delicate process that can make all the difference to your healing process. Some people find the right therapist quickly, while others may go through dozens of practitioners. While this can be an arduous process, it’s one that’s ultimately worth the effort. It’s okay to take your time to find a therapist who makes you feel truly comfortable. Having a therapist you can trust is crucial to your personal development and long-term mental health. At Achieve Concierge, we know the importance of quality care. We have an exemplary team of professionals who are ready to provide you with a space that is safe, open, and conducive to your health. Call Achieve Concierge today at (619) 393-5871.