Don’t underestimate your relationship with your therapist. How do you know if you’re doing well and how to find the right one?

Choosing the right therapist is half the battle

Before we make the big step of scheduling our first therapy session, we naturally wonder if it will help at all. However, our relationship with the therapist is critical to whether or not it will produce results. Now, it’s less about how good the therapist is at their job and more about whether you’re a good fit. Not only as individuals, but also in the manner in which he or she works.

Sigmund Freud discussed the importance of the therapist-client relationship in successful treatment as early as 1913. Several studies have since confirmed this. Up to 50% of the beneficial effects of psychotherapy are due to our relationship with the therapist.

How do you know if your therapist is “the one”?

Naturally, follow your instincts. These are positive indicators that your relationship with your therapist is progressing:

• In therapy, you can relax and discuss difficult topics.
• You have complete faith in your therapist.
  You have admiration for the therapist and her work.
• He or she has the ability to motivate you.
  You sense his/her genuine interest.
• You have mutually agreed on therapy goals and are working together to achieve them.

What do you do if it’s not going well?

That is possible. Therapists are still people, and it is impossible to meet with everyone all of the time. Don’t be afraid to switch therapists if you feel it’s not the right fit. You will not be the first or last person to do so, and any professional will understand.

The most important aspect of therapy is that you feel at ease. It must be a private and secure environment in which you are not afraid to express your deepest feelings and life experiences. This is the only way it can truly assist you.

How do I choose a therapist to make it work?

Are you going to look for a therapist and want to go in prepared? Here are four criteria to focus on to give you the best chance of making it work.

Personal affinity

These are the foundations of a good relationship. But how can you tell if you’ll like a therapist if you haven’t met them yet? It’s difficult to tell from a photograph. That’s why, at Hedepy, we have each therapist record a video message in which they introduce themselves and describe their work.

Certificates and references

Additionally, ensure that the therapist has the required training and experience. On the internet, you may come across self-proclaimed experts who, unfortunately, lack it and thus cannot work with you properly. At Hedepy, we have already verified all of the therapists for you, and you can find all of the information about their education on their profiles.

Client references are another excellent source of information. You’ll notice what they emphasize in a therapist’s work and whether that’s important to you. You can also ask your loved ones if they have any therapy experience. They might be able to recommend someone they’ve worked with before.

Topics therapist focus on

Every psychotherapist has areas of expertise or topics that are particularly important to him or her. He or she may have additional specialized training on them as well. Some concentrate on depression and anxiety, while others concentrate on self-esteem and self-concept, trauma, or addictions, for example.

In addition to individual psychotherapy, you can also attend couples therapy with your partner or arrange therapy for your teenage child. Alternatively, going to therapy as a family is an option. Simply select a therapist who specializes in family issues and notify them in advance.

The way therapist works

There are various types of therapies, which determine the methods used by the therapist. The four most common are as follows:

• Existential therapy – addresses issues such as life’s meaning, freedom, responsibility, aging, death, and loneliness. It assists you in overcoming frustrations and fears.
• Gestalt therapy – focuses on self-awareness and living in the present moment. The therapist will assist you in comprehending your own feelings, emotions, and needs. You will gain a better understanding of yourself and learn to respect your own needs.
• Psychoanalysis and regression therapy – work with the unconscious and the past to improve your current life. It’s great for dealing with trauma, for example, but sometimes you don’t even realize your problems are related to the past.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – is primarily used to treat phobias, anxiety, and depression. It works with the mind to allow us to consciously change our behavior.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure which method is best for you. Each therapist is usually skilled in more than one and can cope. Be primarily guided by the topic you wish to address.

It might work the first time, but it might not

After the first meeting, you know you’re in the right place; other times, you’re stuck. It is normal to become accustomed to and trust a therapist. After all, you are confiding in your therapist about your most private feelings and life events. If you don’t feel completely uncomfortable after the first session and you’ve gained something from it, it’s worth giving it another shot. However, if you still don’t feel at ease after three sessions, it’s time to look elsewhere.

At Hedepy, we try to make your search for a therapist as easy as possible. That’s why we’ve created a five-minute questionnaire to recommend the three most suitable therapists for you. Each of them then has a detailed profile with a medallion where you can get to know them better.

With us, you can find over 100 verified therapists. There will undoubtedly be one that is ideal for you. Once you’ve decided, you can easily book using the booking calendar. In just a few minutes, you can begin your first online therapy session.

And what if it doesn’t work out and you’re not happy with your first session? We’ll refund your money.