When the desire to look inside and understand each other emerges, or to be helped because you feel emotional and psychological discomfort, the first question that arises is: “Who do I go to?”.
Looking for and finding the right professional is not easy and it is not an evaluation to be taken lightly.
The professionals themselves often find themselves looking for “the right colleague” to respond to the request for friends or relatives of a patient or for acquaintances of various degree. To make a conscious choice And favorable reflections are not lacking.
Let’s see some steps that can be of help.
Ask yourself what the need is
First of all, a first reflection on the type of problem is useful, on your needs and on what are the expectations with respect to the path you want to take.
Unfortunately, there are still many steps forward we have to do in terms of Psychological culture, psychoeducation and knowledge of psychology and psychotherapy in scientific and methodological terms.
Some conditions, linked for example to feeling stressed, anxiety or mood problems, require rather transverse skills and many professionals can deal with them effectively. As happens in cases where the person generically resembles a place to reflect on itself And understand, for personal growth, without particular symptoms or inconveniences.
Sometimes the problem concerns Symptoms or clinical disorders which require more specific preparation (such as eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma-related disorders or dependencies on substances and behaviorals).
Having these awareness allows you to orient themselves and inquire to identify professionals who have the necessary skills. However, it is also normal to get from the psychologist without having clear what your problem is. Understanding it will be the first common goal.
As for doctors, No psychotherapist can be competent in every field. Professionals know they are not “tuttologists” and when a situation does not fall within their specific field of activity they are responsible for sending the person to a colleague.
Check the training of the professional
It is important to verify that the professional is adequately trained in accredited and recognized paths and that he is registered in the professional register. If you are suffering from some clinical disorder, it is important to contact who be also a psychotherapist (which is a specialization title for psychologists). See here the difference between psychologist and psychotherapist.
But it is equally important that the professional continues to update himself on new methodologies and therapeutic approaches because the field of psychology is constantly evolving, also as regards the psychological disorders of the new generations.
Each psychologist has a unique training course. In addition to academic qualifications, it is important also consider practical experience.
It is the professional himself who should give information compared to his way of working and his training because a professional who follows professional ethics will always be clear about his approaches and methods of work.
In the event that it does not do it, it is important to ask it to understand if its characteristics are in line with your needs.
Consider the therapeutic approach
The choice of the right psychologist also passes through the understanding of its therapeutic approach and its specializations. These aspects are crucial because they directly influence the way in which the process of personal care and growth will be built and traveled.
There is no “best approach” ever, but the one that best suits the person and his clinical needs. It is important that the professional has an evidence-based approach training.
In fact, these are treatments that have been scientifically validated and that have shown their effectiveness in published research and controlled studies. Different treatments have indications for different conditions.
Among the most studied we have for example cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses work on patterns of thought and behavior; the Therapy scheme, which adds to the CBT elements of dynamic and relational work; EMDR therapy, which works by integrating cognitive, emotional and somatic work in the repair of post -traumatic results.
It is useful to ask the therapist to explain his approach and consider if he resonates with his own characteristics and needs.
The therapeutic relationship
A good therapeutic relationship is essential for the success of therapy. When it comes to psychotherapeutic path It is not just about finding the right cure (like when we take drugs), it is a path that is based on the encounter between two human beings who will work together towards a shared goal based on the patient’s needs.
The variables that come into play are many and not easily predictable. If technical competence is fundamental, it is of little use in a relationship that does not work.
This is also the reason why the professional with whom a relative or acquaintance has found himself very well may not be suitable for us. Already from the first meetings it is a good signal feel at ease, including and welcomed.
A welcoming and non -judging therapeutic environment is essential to allow the exploration and sharing of one’s experiences.
A short introductory call may help or make a first visit with a cognitive or orientation purpose. Initially choosing a psychologist is also an act of trust, but the therapeutic relationship is built over time and then it becomes a relationship of trust and collaboration.
Even if the styles can be very different, a good psychologist should demonstrate Active listening, understanding and interest in the patient. This does not only mean listening, but also grasping the nuances of experiences and adequately reflecting emotions.
The therapist’s ability to connect to an emotional level is crucial. The quality of the relationship can be the factor that makes the difference between a fruitful therapeutic experience and a less effective even beyond the professional’s competence.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the path
A good therapist encourages not only the active participation of the person in his path of growth and healing, but will also allow to express opinions and feelings regarding the path itself.
He will therefore ask to participate in an ongoing evaluation of changes and results.
Ask for information on practical aspects
They are legitimate and important questions also those concerning the most practical aspects: the costs, the methods of managing the canceled sessions and the variation of the appointments, the availability of the professional.
A good balance between your personal needs and the availability of the therapist is essential for the sustainability of an often long journey.
Ask for recommendations and opinions from reliable sources
Getting recommendations from trusted sources can be an excellent starting point in the search for the right psychologist. Word of mouth is still a very useful tool.
However, it is important to evaluate this information with judgment. As we have seen, people close to us can provide suggestions based on their personal experiences. These recommendations can be useful, but it is important to remember that needs can be very different.
The professionals in the sector can be precious sources of recommendations, directing towards qualified and trusted colleagues.
Even the internet today can be very useful. You can do specific research based on your needs and also use professional websites in which there are blogs and forums useful to collect useful information between patients ‘experiences and professionals’ skills.
Among the online sites are also those of scientific associations which help to find qualified psychologists in their area and often publish additional resources to better understand psychological paintings and the different specializations and therapeutic approaches.
Obviously it is always good to evaluate the credibility of the source, even more so compared to online reviews.
Signals to be careful
Normally you need a few seats to feel you have found the right professional. Signs of unease must be listened to and it is legitimate to try to understand what is not working and possibly try to look for another.
The psychologist is that person with whom we will talk about intimate and difficult arguments of one’s life!
It is important be careful even with too hasty diagnosis (an accurate evaluation requires method and time), to criticism, to behaviors that create discomfort.
Attention also to discount and promotion policies: good professionals do not sell off. Paying the right price for the advice of a good professional is what allows you to solve a problem in less and more effectively.
Bibliography
- A Step-BY-STEP Guide to Finding a Therapist: Npr.org/sections/health-Shots/2023
- www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/finding-good-therapist
