Need a Therapist? Here are 6 Attributes to Look for

Clients are often referred to therapists by their employers' health service provider, their physician, their pediatrician, their lawyer, or other professionals with whom they may have a professional relationship.

However, it is important that the therapist has specific attributes that would allow for a productive professional relationship--a relationship that would be beneficial to you in your efforts to find solutions.

Also be prepared to talk with several therapists if necessary before choosing a therapist.

Here are some attributes that I think therapists should have:

1. Expertise in a given area and enough honesty to say when that expertise doesn't exist. Examples of mental health expertise can include such areas as depression, anxiety, manic-depressive, marital problems, and parent-child relationships.

2. Good listening and questioning attributes are important. Focused questions and careful listening is important to acquire an adequate understanding of your presenting problem. If the therapist draws conclusions too quickly, he or she may miss some key elements of your problem that must be addressed properly if the therapy is to be effective.

3. Working knowledge of multiple theoretical approaches and the ability to use these approaches when necessary. Some therapists makes the mistake of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

A behaviorist therapist may try to apply this theoretical orientation to every problem or a cognitive therapist may try to apply this theoretical orientation to every problem. This would be a disservice.

4. A theoretical approach or approaches that are culturally neutral - that is, can be applied cross-culturally. Such an approach must recognize that all human being beings have certain basic needs and have relationships of one type or another and problems often arise from pursuing unproductive ways of addressing these needs and having unhealthy relationships.


5. Freedom from pre-conceived notions and prejudices with regards to race, sex, or occupation.

6. And, the attitude that everyone has the capacity to change, but sometimes just need help by choosing the right therapist.In choosing a therapist look for these attributes. You will be more likely to find one that you can relate to and can provide you with the help you need.


Do you know any other attributes that you think a therapist should have?  Leave your comments below.