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What is a Therapist

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies

A therapist is a person who offers help for mental health concerns. Therapists are trained professionals in the field of any types of services like psychologists, social workers, counselors, etc. They counsel individuals for various mental and physical issues, help them overcome the concerns that they are facing.

How to Choose a Therapist

https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-a-good-therapist
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/articles/202211/7-qualities-of-a-great-therapist

• Trustworthy—the most important aspect of a therapist. You should feel safe and supported when talking. You don’t feel judged. If after one or two session you don’t feel comfortable then you should look elsewhere.
• A great listener, pays attention while you speak, understands you.
• Validate (acknowledge and accept) your actions, thoughts, emotions, and experiences, yet does not make judgment.
• Desires you to be at your best. Will never force you to do anything you don’t want. No therapist should ever makes you feel stupid, damaged, or guilty.
• Excellent communication and teaching skills.
• Inquiring—questioning you so the therapist understands you and you better understand yourself. Leads you to self-discovery.
• Regularly ask you how the sessions are going. A therapist checks to verify if you are improving or if another treatment or even another counselor with a better fit is needed.
• Call for accountability. A good therapist respectably challenges you.
• Always willing to learn and study—acknowledge not understanding an issue you suffer, but will educate himself through scientific literature, conferences, and consulting with colleagues.
• Does not command, does not tell you what to do nor how to do it. Works as an ally guiding you to what you are seeking.
• You notice yourself improving. Small changes should be visible with a month of sessions. Resolution requires an average of 15 to 20 sessions for half the people seeking therapy.
• Offer multiple paths leading to solutions. Often, one technique that works for one patient doesn’t work for another. There’s no one size fits all solution.
• Open-minded. Open to change direction, try alternatives during therapy. You are in charge. If the therapist is leading you to a treatment plan you felt will not help with your more pressing concern, you have the right to ask to redirect. A good therapist knows if your needs goes beyond her skills. If so, she’ll refer you to someone better suited.
• Will not rush your treatment. Both you and your therapist should quickly agree on your treatment’s goal and estimated timeline, but deadlines may be missed because of numerous reasons. A good therapist shows flexibility.
• Understands your identity, belief and culture. It doesn’t necessarily meant you must hire one with the same race, culture, etc.
• Focus on you. A therapist addressing her own pain or concerns is not healthy.
• Provide you the tools and support you need for new insights, new skills, and new healthy habits.
• Gives you confidence and hope. You can see the value with the sessions together.