How do I choose the psychologist that best suits me?

Choosing a psychologist may not be an easy task with the wide existing demand and the lack of knowledge that in many cases exists regarding the functioning of psychological therapies. As in other health professions, the link we establish with the professional is a fundamental variable for the success of the therapy you carry out. Not every psychologist is for every patient, nor is every patient for every psychologist.

In addition, in psychology, unlike other health professions, such as physiotherapy or dentistry, you are going to need to open up emotionally and probably address intimate and complicated. So the link you establish with the professional confers even greater importance.

Psychology professionals have the tools to promote an adequate bond, and we work by providing that atmosphere of warmth, comfort and trust with each patient. However, your psychologist will team up with you, guiding you and paddling with you in the process of change. For what is legitimate, and also recommendable, that the patient himself make a selection of the therapist with whom he wants to work.

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The keys to finding the psychologist that matches the ones you are looking for

Under my clinical experience at Conecta Psicólogos Online, when the patient feels convinced that he is in the place suitable and has made the decision for himself to see a certain professional, the therapy has a success rate elderly. So I am going to leave you some keys that will help you choose a professional that is right for you.

1. Review your training and experience

In most cases, psychologists have a website where we explain what we do and how we do it.. If you have a specialty related to the problem you want to work on, surely you you feel in the right place to work on it, and the psychologist has more means and resources specific. For example, to deal with a relationship problem, it is not essential for the psychologist to have specific training in Couples Therapy, but if they do have it, it is a variable in their favour.

• You may be interested in: "The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

2. Consider your work style

There are different ways of working to carry out a successful therapy. You can find out about the way in which the sessions run, to know the predominant style and techniques in the way of doing therapy and see if it fits with what you expect and with you.

• Related article: "Mental health: definition and characteristics according to psychology"

3. Verbal and non-verbal language, and personality traits

We are all different, which is why we feel more comfortable with different types of personalities. In other words, if being serious and responsible at work is a very valuable quality for you, you will probably feel more connected and comfortable with a psychologist who transmits professionalism and rigor to you. Instead, if you tend to feel more comfortable around sweet and close people, you'll probably feel more comfortable with the therapist in whom you find those qualities.

The information regarding keys 2 and 3 can normally be obtained on the website of the professional or clinic, social networks, blog, etc. You can also directly ask the professional how his way of working isbefore starting the sessions. In a first telephone conversation, you can surely perceive certain sensations and impressions about how that person is going to work with you in therapy, and how he is going to address you

• You may be interested in: "The 12 basic communication skills"

4. look for references

That someone in your environment recommends a certain professional and explains how it has worked for him or her, always provides security, confidence and motivation to start working with said professional.

Also, although each person is different, you and your environment probably have certain common personality traits. and similar, as well as certain similar life experiences, that can make you fit equally with the same psychologists. If you do not have people in your environment who can recommend someone, look for references through opinions on web pages, Google, psychology portals, etc.

However, although I recommend that you take into account the keys that I mention, I also advise you not to spend excessive time choosing, as this will delay the start of therapy and, therefore, your improvement.

Once you have taken into account some of these variables that can increase your chances of feeling comfortable and that your therapy will be successful, Don't be guided exclusively by a first impression, and go try it. Not all sessions, especially the first ones, are going to be a before and after in your life. Be patient with the process, and let yourself be guided.

Author: Vanesa Fernández-Luna