As a private practitioner, I often ask my clients to tell me how they found out about me. Most say that they discovered me through recommendation, simply asking family or friends who have been for therapy the name of their therapist. However, not everyone wants to, or is able to, ask family and friends. There are clients who choose not to ask others for a number of reasons. Below are a few tips for you to consider before you choose your therapist.
The professional approach
It is said that we decide if we like someone within several seconds of meeting them. The same can be said for the therapist’s business premises or website. In order for you to feel comfortable with your newly found therapist you must be convinced that their website or shop front looks professional. If you think that the website and/or the premises looks a bit dated and tired, perhaps the therapist is too.
Speak to the therapist before you see them
When you have drawn up your short list of possible therapists, give them a call. They may be with another client when you call so always leave a message including a time when they can call you back.
I am always happy to speak with my clients before they book that first appointment. I want my clients to feel comfortable and at ease with me.
Often clients contact me via the contact me page of my website, they leave a number and I call them back and answer as many questions as they have about therapy and what I can do to help them in their personal situation.
All of my clients are special and unique individuals and deserve to be treated as such. A good therapist is one who will take the time to engage with you before you attend your first appointment.
“Rules” of Therapy & Goal Setting
When you attend for that first session with your therapist, a good therapist will set some ground rules. These will include standards of behaviour such as what is defined as unacceptable behaviour, how appointment cancellations are dealt with and goal setting.
During the first session the aim or goal of the therapy will be set and made clear so that both client and therapist know what they are working towards.
It is important to remember that your goals are not set in stone and you can change them at any point if they do not feel right for you.
A good therapist will also discuss with you when best to review your goals. Therapy is not supposed to last a lifetime so, if you have been in therapy for a while and can’t remember why you went there in the first place, now may be a good time to have a think about the reason you are still in therapy.
The Therapist
Is your therapist positive and committed to helping you or are they worn out and tired?
The attitude of the therapist will have a major influence on how quickly you are able to make the changes that you need to in life. After all, if your therapist acts as if there is no hope, how is that going to make you feel? I always believe that with the right support we can all make changes in our lives for the better.
Does your therapist listen to you?
I always listen to my clients and do not interrupt them. After all, the words that we use tell others how we are feeling.
Finally, remember that your therapist is not your boss or your teacher. There should be mutual respect between the therapist and the client. This enables achievable goals to be set and for honest and frank discussions to take place.
If you are seeking a therapist to help you deal with your personal and sensitive issues, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Marion