Choosing a psychologist is an important decision, as the individual relationship is decisive for successful therapy. Here are some steps that can help you choose the right psychologist:
What criteria should we use to choose the right professional for us?
1. What is the problem?The first step is to clarify what type of help you need. Whether it's an emotional problem, difficulty in a relationship, stress, or another mental challenge.
2. Qualification and experience of a psychologistCheck the specialist's qualifications and experience. Coaches and psychologists can deal with healthy people. According to the WHO criteria, a healthy person is capable of leading an independent life, performing work according to his abilities, finding pleasure and social integration (taking a role). However, there are cases of such complexity that a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist qualification is required for their treatment. These include, among others, people with personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, panic attacks or addictions. It is also worth checking what the psychologist's specialty is. If someone has a request on a special topic, it is worth looking for a psychologist working in that field; for example, a bereavement therapist for problems related to bereavement, a sports psychologist/sports psychodiagnostic consultant for sports-related questions, or a family therapist for a crisis affecting the entire family.
3. Therapeutic approach/methodDifferent psychologists use different therapeutic approaches. Some examples: cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, integrative therapy, etc. Before choosing, it is worth finding out which approach is the most sympathetic.
You can read more about the methods used at the Psychogenesis Psychological Center
here.4. Personal sympathyDuring the first meeting, pay attention to the impression the psychologist makes on you. "Resonance" or "chemistry" is extremely important in the therapeutic process.
Choosing the right psychologist is a personal and unique process, and the outcome of their collaboration can impact your life.