Before embarking on your therapeutic journey, it’s essential to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the process and feel comfortable with your therapist. Asking the right questions can help you establish a strong foundation for your therapy and build a trusting relationship with your therapist. Remember, therapy is a collaborative effort, and your questions play a vital role in shaping your experience. Here are some key questions to consider asking your therapist before starting therapy:

1. What is your experience and specialization in treating mental health issues?

Not every therapist will be a specialist in every mental health issue. In fact, a good therapist should be specialized in a handful of health issues. They may be willing to branch out, or may have experience in something not listed in their bio, so it’s a good idea to ask. 

1. What therapeutic approach or techniques do you typically use?

Depending on the college your therapist went to and how they continued their education afterwards, therapists will specialize in a handful of therapeutic approaches. Do some research on different therapeutic strategies before you agree to an appointment with them so you know what technique will be the best fit for you. For example, do you like the practical approach of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Or do you want to address childhood trauma, like Psychoanalytic therapy can help? Do you prefer Emotion-Focused therapy or one that’s focused on your strengths and abilities, like Strengths-Based therapy? 

1. How do you handle confidentiality and privacy?

All therapists must comply with HIPAA standards for privacy and confidentiality. This means they will not share any of your information unless you are at risk to yourself or others. If you are doing virtual therapy, make sure you ask if the video platform is HIPAA compliant. 

1. What are your expectations from me as a client?

Some therapists prefer to pair with clients who are willing to commit to many months, even years, of therapy. Some are about providing immediate relief and coping skills. Knowing what they expect from you will help you both be on the same page as your treatment progresses. 

1. How will we track progress and set goals during our sessions?

Most therapists will help you set some sort of goals during sessions, even if they’re vague like “address social anxiety”. These goals can be broken into smaller goals such as “go somewhere new” or “converse with a stranger” to mark smaller milestones on your journey towards recovery. If they don’t set distinct goals, ask yourself if that’s okay with you, or if you’d rather have a therapist who is more goal-oriented. 

1. What is your availability for appointments, and what is your policy on cancellations or rescheduling?

Some therapists keep normal office hours, which can be difficult if you have a full-time job. Others may have strict cancellation and rescheduling policies, which may be a burden if you have kids or an unreliable schedule. Remember that you are the priority here. Be selective. 

1. How will we address any concerns or conflicts that may arise during our sessions?

Even if you fully vet a therapist, there may be unseen conflicts that arise later in your sessions. When this happens, you’ll want to know you still have a therapist who is on your side and willing to work through conflict with you to find a common ground and do what is best for you. 

1. What is your stance on using medications in conjunction with therapy, if needed?

Medication for mental health issues can be a powerful tool in recovery. Many people find it extremely helpful to use medication and therapy as a means of healing and recovery. Although Licensed Professional Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, and Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they can refer you to a Psychiatrist who can. 

1. How will you involve me in the treatment planning process?

It’s nice to be in the know about what your treatment entails. Consider if you care about knowing the details, or if you’re willing to trust your therapist full-heartedly. Find a therapist who aligns with these values. 

1. What are your thoughts on the duration of therapy and potential outcomes?

Some therapists adhere to a solution-focused, short-term therapy practice, while others believe it takes months and even years to finish therapy. Neither outlook is wrong, there is research to support both claims, but the outlook that will be best for you depends on your needs and goals. 

As you prepare to start therapy, remember that it’s natural to have questions and uncertainties. Your therapist is there to support you through this process, and open communication is key to a successful therapeutic relationship. By asking these questions and discussing any other concerns you may have, you are taking an active role in your mental health journey. Trust your instincts and be honest with your therapist about your needs and expectations. Together, you can work towards living your brightest life.

Where to find a good therapist? 

Finding a good therapist starts with finding a good company. Most therapists work within a practice, or a group of other therapists and support staff. These practices often have greater support for their clients because they have team members dedicated to scheduling, billing, and the like so therapists can focus on what they’re good at: therapy! 

Companies like Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy, which just surpassed 1500 clients and over 100 therapists, are well-established and vetted practices that hire quality therapists. Online businesses, like SonderMind or Betterhelp, are also good options for online therapy. For local, in-person therapists check out your local zip code in Psychology Today to find great therapists near you. 

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Finding a good therapist can be a daunting task for anyone, and it’s not uncommon for many to feel overwhelmed by the process. In fact, a recent survey found that 72% of people found the process of finding a new therapist to be overwhelming, and the average American will go through three therapists before finding one that’s the right fit for them. This can be a costly and frustrating endeavor since the average cost of therapy is between $30-$50 per session. That’s why it’s crucial to know what traits to look for in a quality therapist before committing to a treatment plan.

Great therapy starts with a great client-therapist relationship. Clients who are happy with their therapists tend to have better mental health outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the key traits that set great therapists apart from the rest, so you can spend less time searching and more time feeling better.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make the best possible choice in finding a therapist who can help you live your brightest life. We understand that finding a quality therapist can be a challenging task, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s dive into the traits that make a good therapist, so you can start your journey toward mental wellness with confidence.

Why do quality therapists matter? 

There are many factors that go into effective therapy, both on the clients’ and therapists’ ends. However, one of the main factors is called therapeutic alliance. In short, this is the relationship between the client and the therapist, and has three main components:

• A positive emotional bond
• Agreement on tasks and goals during therapy
• Perceived openness and truthfulness between client and therapist

These three traits make a strong client-therapist relationship, which can lead to more effective therapy. So, it’s important to choose a therapist who fits you and who you feel comfortable with. 

What makes a good therapist?

There are many traits that make a good and effective therapist, some of them completely subjective. A good therapist for one person may not be a good therapist for another; it’s not a one-size-fits-all industry. 

However, research has shown us that there are a few traits that therapists can have that communicate effectiveness in therapy: 

• Adaptable: Studies have shown that a therapist who is attuned to a client’s changing thoughts, feelings, and perspective from session to session is more likely to provide effective therapy. People change, especially during therapy, and the therapist should be able to keep up easily with these changes. 

1. Openness: Being open-minded and receptive allows therapists to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to share their thoughts and feelings without fear.
2. Agreeableness: Therapists who possess agreeableness traits are empathetic and compassionate, fostering a sense of trust and understanding that promotes a strong therapeutic alliance.
3. Conscientiousness: A conscientious therapist demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to providing high-quality care. They pay attention to detail and stay organized, ensuring clients receive consistent support.
4. Reflective: Therapists who are reflective engage in self-reflection, continually evaluating and improving their practice. This self-awareness enables them to adapt their approach, enhancing the effectiveness of therapy.
5. Supportive: Supporting therapists establish a nurturing environment where clients feel heard, validated, and encouraged. They provide emotional support and guidance throughout the therapeutic process, empowering clients on their journey to healing.
6. Affirming: Affirming therapists validate and acknowledge the experiences, thoughts, and emotions of their clients. Through affirmations, they help clients build self-esteem, promoting self-acceptance and growth.
7. Providing accurate interpretations: This is something you’ll have to judge once you’re inside a therapy session. Sometimes, it’s hard to put exactly what you mean into words. You may struggle to explain your experience to your therapist, and then they can interpret what you really mean. When they do this, you’ll usually have one of two responses: Yes, that’s it exactly, or No, that wasn’t it at all! A good therapist (for you) will provide accurate interpretations. 
8. Facilitating emotional expression: An important part of therapy is being able to safely express your emotions. It’s all too common to hold your emotions in or express them in unhealthy ways. Therefore, a good therapist will be able to help you express your own emotions in a way that is conducive, healthy, and safe.

These traits make good therapists because they create a foundation of trust, safety, and collaboration between the therapist and the client. They enhance the therapeutic relationship and facilitate a healing environment, allowing clients to explore their challenges, develop insights, and make positive changes in their lives.

Also, studies have shown that a client’s own personality is also very important in matching therapists with clients. For example, someone who values straightforwardness might not do well with a therapist who dances around the point. 

The importance of a quality therapist during mental health counseling cannot be overstated. As Daniel Belcher, CEO of the leading mental health company Lifebulb, puts it: “We understand that happy therapists lead to better outcomes for our clients. That’s why Lifebulb is committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters their personal and professional growth. We believe that by prioritizing the well-being of our therapists, we are cultivating a culture of compassion and excellence that positively impacts everyone we serve.”

As you’re looking for a therapist to help you through your challenges this Mental Health Awareness Month, keep these traits in mind. Don’t settle for less, and switch if you don’t click with your therapist. A good therapist can make or break your therapy experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of high-quality, effective therapists out there who can meet your needs.

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