Finding a therapist you feel aligned with can be challenging. It is also the most important thing to consider when it comes to experiencing trust in the therapeutic relationship. This is often considered the most important part of therapy because it allows for the most healing.
Considering Who You May Work Best With
It can be important to consider who you think you may be most comfortable with in terms of age, gender, and culture. Be on the lookout for these things as you browse different options online. Having an opinion on these factors can help you narrow your choices when there are so many options.
Reading Through Biographies
Many therapists include a short biography on their webpage to introduce themselves. These usually include information regarding their experience, education, and preferred modalities for treatment. Reading through therapists’ experiences can give you insight on whether they specialize in what you are seeking support for, as well as whether or not you align with their philosophy on healing.
Asking Questions
Most therapists will encourage you to ask them questions about their experience, preferred or trained modalities for treatment, and any other questions that may help you discern if working with them will be a good fit.
In short, do not be afraid to ask questions. If questions are not encouraged or you do not feel safe to ask, this could be a sign that this therapist is not a great fit.
Feeling the Energy
Feeling out the energy between you and a therapist is perhaps the most powerful way to tell if a therapist is a good fit for you. Your intuition is incredibly smart, and the gut feelings from intuition can guide you to the right person. The most important part of feeling the energy is first paying attention to how you feel in their presence and not second-guessing the messages your body gives you.
Finding a therapist that feels like a good fit may take some trial and error, and this is part of the process too. You have permission to “shop” around, connect with several therapists before deciding which to try first, and even “fire” your therapist if the connection just does not feel right.
Finding a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable is essential for therapy to be effective. It can be difficult to find a therapist you feel connected to, and this connection may take time. At Avalon Malibu, we believe the trust and connection you feel with your treatment team is essential to healing, which is why we have a diverse team of therapists and other professionals ready to support you. If you are ready to begin your journey, call Avalon Malibu today at (844) 857-5992.
