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5 Signs of a Good Therapist

The aspect of individuality that comes with being a human makes way for compatibility between one and the other. Finding a good therapist is crucial for one’s mental health journey and compatibility plays an important role when looking for a therapist that will help you most in your journey

Here are the 5 most basic signs that you should look out for in assessing their compatibility with you:

1. Good Listener: A skilled therapist must have the ability to listen and understand people’s feelings and experiences. They should be an active part of your session, just passively sitting and listening to someone talk does not necessarily mean that they are paying attention to their client, the signs of attention could be verbal or non-verbal. For example, some verbal signs could be them asking you to either elaborate or expand on something you said to get a clear sense of your feelings. Examples of non-verbal signs could be as simple as a nod or facial expression. Listening is an important skill that makes or breaks a therapist.

2. Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a concept that originated in critical theory and feminism, introduced by feminist scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in the late 1980s. It emphasizes the intricate ties between social identities such as race, gender, class, sexuality, and ability, and how these intersect to result in differing experiences. A good understanding of intersectionality is essential for a therapist to fully understand the intricacies as a result of intersecting identities, this is important to create an inclusive environment that makes clients feel safe, comfortable and seen.

3. Strong Communicator: Communication is imperative to therapy as it is the only method that allows the transmission of information between humans. Without communication therapy does not exist hence, a therapist needs to be a skilled communicator. A therapist who is a strong communicator will ask you questions to ensure their client has understood everything and take the time to rephrase their explanation if needed. Therapy is a form of education for the client, therapists have done years of studying to gather all the information needed to help their clients and should be used as a source of knowledge. A good communicator should also make you feel heard and acknowledged to build mutual trust and a helpful alliance.

4. Empathy: A valuable therapist must be empathetic towards their client and their experiences. They need to be careful with their words and the way they speak as it might send the wrong message when speaking to their clients. They should make their client feel accepted and validated as that will strengthen the trust between the client and the therapist. They should also eliminate their bias and assess the experiences without judgment, even when they don’t agree with or fully understand their perspective. This acceptance creates a safe space for open communication and connection. While empathy involves understanding and sharing experiences, it’s essential to maintain boundaries to maintain emotional well-being.

5. Reasonable Solutions: Due to the individuality of human nature, it is imperative to take your time with possible solutions concerning mental health. Every client is different and what works for one client may not work for the other. Keeping this in mind a good therapist should recommend a wide range of solutions to their client and give their client full autonomy in deciding what the best course of action is. Your therapist should be able to identify the needs and goals of your treatment and guide you to a better life.

Why Choose ImPerfect?

At ImPerfect, we recognize the importance of these traits and strive to make you feel better with professional therapists who can provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for growth and healing. Your mental well-being is paramount, and we’re committed to helping you find the best fit for your unique needs and experiences.