How to choose the right psychologist

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

The profession of a psychologist is now incredibly in demand. However, despite the fact that there are a lot of specialists for every taste and wallet, it can be difficult to find a really competent one. Together with Anna Starovoitova, the founder of the "Calm" psychological assistance service, we figured out how to choose the right doctor so as not to make mistakes and subsequently not to be disappointed in therapy.

The problem of pseudopsychologists and tricksters

It would seem that the market for specialists in psychotherapy is now oversaturated, but more does not mean better, and the problem before society is complex. First, we still do not have a special license for practice, which would be regulated by the state. Therefore, a person can call himself a psychologist, even just listening to monthly courses online.

This is why the market is full of pseudopsychologists who have learned some tricks. They can help reduce anxiety and stress levels for a short time, but they don't work in the long term and can even harm your mental health. It is difficult for an ordinary client to check the professionalism of a particular specialist. But it is worth remembering that pseudopsychology, unlike the real one, does not rely on data from experiments and research.

Secondly, even professional psychologists save on supervision. The practice, when a psychotherapist discusses cases from his practice with a more experienced colleague, and thus finds shortcomings in his work, is very common in the West. In Russia, unfortunately, many specialists neglect this.

But if a psychologist does not regularly undergo special therapy himself, then he inevitably loses a resource and cannot fully help. Personal therapy is necessary, since not everyone has a compass with "eternal north", there is burnout, sometimes problems confuse their own landmarks.

Exit to another level

What should you pay attention to when choosing a psychologist? Remember that a competent specialist never imposes his opinion, does not give advice if you do not ask for it. He does not criticize the patient or devalue. A competent psychologist helps the client to see all the options for solving the problem, but the choice is still made by you.

At the same time, you shouldn't wait for a magic pill. If you are promised it, for example, in one session, immediately think about it. Double-check the information. A very limited number of specialists (literally a few) really have experience and passage of expensive, and the most complicated and costly practices that can give a similar effect. Plus, this experience can be effective on a very limited number of problems.

And it certainly should be alerted if you are promised that you will get rich or get well, or the unfaithful husband will immediately stop cheating. Without changing yourself (your consciousness) and your life through work, it is impossible to move to another level.

Trust and talk on equal terms

But can you choose a specialist yourself? Of course, first of all, there should be trust in the psychologist. Moreover, if you need long-term therapy. Try to look for a person in the form of a psychologist, not a money-sucking machine.

Empathy and sincerity are the most important qualities when choosing a therapist.

Pay attention to the first meeting. In addition to acquaintance, a specialist should carry out diagnostics. A trial session is required. On it you can get acquainted with a specialist, understand whether he is energetically suitable, whether an emotional contact has been created. Without understanding that you will be comfortable working with a person, whether he understands you well enough and you understand him, it is impossible to work.

A psychologist, although a specialist, is also a person, which many people forget. In therapy, modern approaches try to build relationships "on an equal footing", both the client and the therapist play equally important roles, so if you are going to share this responsibility with someone, then with someone pleasant.

In order to choose whom to sign up for a trial or a full consultation at once, there are communities, for example, in the Telegram channel, where, by asking a question, you can get a detailed answer and go to the right specialist.

Accept the problem and the pain

Remember that therapy can be uncomfortable at first, because problematic things are being worked out. After this comes the stage of acceptance, and even then the person learns to recognize the problem that previously caused this pain.

As a result, it should become easier. But the patient will still think and remember the nuances and conclusions that were "pulled out" of him. After some time (very individually in terms of timing), the so-called insights (awareness) will begin to occur. It will turn out to evaluate yourself from the outside with less pain and fear.

A competent psychotherapist makes you take responsibility for yourself, is looking for what, in each specific case, includes a trigger for anxiety, panic attacks or other uncomfortable conditions.