Choosing the right therapist for you is both an important and personal decision. Clearly, there are certain criteria that must be met.

Firstly, you must seek a therapist who has genuine experience and expertise in the area of difficulty you are having. For instance, if you have a substance abuse problem you would not want a therapist whose experience in this area is nil or minimal.

Wisdom, empathy, compassion and character are all attributes you would want your therapist to have but it isn’t enough. Knowledge and good professional training are essential. Feel free to interview your therapist regarding their education, training and experience.

Much research has gone into what factors are more likely to produce a positive outcome in therapy. Many types of psychotherapeutic approaches (such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, interpersonal, etc) have been evaluated over the course of many years. Interestingly, all studies over the course of time have shown that the psychotherapeutic approach is NOT the determining feature in a positive outcome. Instead, the RELATIONSHIP between the therapist and patient was overwhelmingly the single most important factor in achieving a rich, rewarding therapeutic experience.

In order to thrive in a therapeutic setting, you must trust your instincts. After you have ascertained the basic information regarding  your therapist’s credentials, ask yourself if you felt TRULY comfortable with this person. You are about to embark on an incredible journey and you deserve to feel as safe and trusting as possible. Pay close attention to the level of ease you feel speaking with this person. Naturally, it may be uncomfortable at first to begin to open up, but your instincts will tell you if this therapist will have the potential ability to create a circle of safety and comfort around you. Remember, you are in charge of this choice and you can choose to stay or try again with another therapist. Most importantly, do not give up. Fortunately, this field is filled with caring, competent professionals and it will not be long before you find the right one for you.