Know How To Choose A Therapist To Receive Right Treatment

With the rise in mental health issues, more and more people are seeking therapy. You can opt for therapy whether dealing with relationship issues, coping with trauma, dealing with a job loss, or suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, in some cases, timely intervention can help you better cope with the issue and can prevent the situation from getting worse. Just like therapy, it is equally important to find a therapist, who is able to cater to your needs. Before we look at ways to choose a therapist, let us first know the scenarios in which you should consider therapy.

Cases When You Can Consider Therapy

The American Psychological Association (ASA) has enlisted the scenarios in which you can consider going for therapy.

• If you have a prolonged feeling of sadness and/or helplessness, which isn’t getting better no matter how much you try.
• If you are finding it difficult to perform day-to-day activities.
• If you worry all the time and generally expect the worst.
• If you are drinking heavily, abusing substances, and getting into frequent arguments with others. 

How To Choose A Therapist

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Here are some tips that might help you in choosing a therapist:

• The first thing you can do is ask someone you know and whom you trust, who has undergone a similar experience. Chances are someone you already know might have taken therapy and his/her contacts, as well as experience, might help you in making the choice. However, remember this isn’t the final stop. You shouldn’t consider a therapist just because someone told you. You should choose an expert based on your issue and need.
• Another starting point might be your workplace itself. Several companies have tie-ups with hospitals. If you ask your HR, he/she might help you with a therapist’s contact.
• You can also browse online for experts in your locality. You can also join groups on social media that are especially focused on the issue you are dealing with.
• Another thing that you should do beforehand is to set your goal. Decide what you ultimately want. Do you think you might need medicines to cope with the symptoms, or will psychotherapy help? These are some of the questions you must ask yourself while looking for a mental health expert.
• When you have a consultation with a therapist, analyse the whole conversation. Do you feel comfortable in opening up to him/her regarding various aspects of your well-being? During therapy, do you feel heard and respected or do you end up feeling that what you are feeling is invalid? During the session, do you feel tense or calm and relaxed? Answers to these questions will help you determine if you can go ahead with that particular therapist or should you look for someone else.

Also read: There Is A Link Between Your Mental Health & Hygiene, Find Out Here

Does Therapy Work?

Research suggests that therapy can help you to some extent with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, etc. In fact, as per one study, 50% of patients showed noticeable improvement after just eight sessions of therapy. Similarly, the mental well-being of 75% of patients improved after six months into therapy. Also, since mental health has a direct impact on physical well-being, getting therapy can help improve a person’s overall health.   

Also read: Mental Health Day 2021: Losing Interest In Things You Love? This Can Be A Possible Sign Of Anhedonia

The APA says that as you begin therapy, you should set definite goals, for you and your therapist to work on. It can be anything, dealing with trauma, relationship troubles, job loss, or just feeling your mental health is deteriorating. You know the therapy is working for you if you feel relaxed and start feeling hopeful. Just remember that just like you take care of your physical health with proper food and physical activity, you should take care of your mental health in a similar way. This is crucial for a happy and quality life.

Photo Credit: Freepik