Researching a therapist before booking a session is vital to understand their qualifications, experience, and therapeutic style. This way, you can ensure they are the right fit for your needs and preferences. Additionally, researching a therapist can help ensure that the psychologist is legally registered to practice under the category they represent themselves. Here are a few tips to consider.
Online search and Word of mouth referrals
A general first step in this digital era is to conduct an online search, as most therapists will have an online presence either through their websites or a therapist directory. It is advisable to look for someone within your area, i.e., work or home, or someone within your city if you do not mind travelling. Another consideration is whether you are open to working online, which may open you up to therapists outside your city or country. If considering someone outside of your country, check the registration requirements for both countries (e.g., some countries require that the therapist is registered in both countries).
A rule of thumb is to find a potential therapist through word of mouth. In my experience, this generally yields good results. Ask individuals you know in the field or profession and friends/colleagues/family members who have been in therapy. Professionals such as general practitioners, psychiatrists or medical personnel can also be great referral sources. Therapists subscribe to different theoretical and practice modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, psychoanalysis, eclectic and family systems. Be sure to read up on a potential therapist’s therapeutic style or orientation and ask them questions at your first session.
Check out the available resources in your area.
Help is available, and maybe even more so from your local community. As a student, you may have the option of visiting the school’s counselling facility. Your company’s human resources department may also provide a list of local therapists as part of a wellness or EAP initiative. If you are specifically looking for a therapist who shares your religious beliefs, you should talk to the people who run your local house of worship. Some therapists may not overtly have religion as a specifier from the outset, but this does not mean they will preclude your beliefs from the process. Explore this at your first session should you want to work with them. Also, allow yourself time to meet a few therapists before deciding. You are entitled to shop around for therapists!
Ask them about their experience with similar issues and areas of interests
Ask your potential therapist about their experience treating clients with similar issues. This will help you gauge whether they have the skills necessary to help you reach your goals effectively. Knowing the interests and focus of a particular therapist can also be helpful when making an informed decision about which one might best suit your needs and those of any other members of the family who may need care (e.g., couples or family therapy).
Plan with your objectives in mind.
Scientific research shows improvement in mental health outcomes occurs when patients and therapists have the same objectives. However, it is essential to remember that as you and your therapist work together, your goals may shift. If you need to adjust the course of your therapy, feel free to discuss this with your therapist.
Find a psychiatrist who can provide medication if you believe it could assist with your symptoms. Find a therapist who can facilitate a referral to support networks or group processes if you are interested in joining a community of individuals who can relate to your struggles.
Check their Qualifications
It is essential to find out what qualifications your therapist has and how they are relevant to the type of therapy you seek—for instance, psychoanalyst, clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, social worker, or registered counsellor. You may learn more about the different registration classifications in South Africa from the Health Professions Council of South Africa website.
Professional Associations
Find out if your potential therapist belongs to any professional associations related to their expertise. Being part of these organisations can provide additional insight into a practitioner’s credentials and quality of practice standards that may not be readily available elsewhere.
Fees & Medical Aid Coverage
Be sure to ask about fees for services and whether medical aid is accepted so that you know upfront what costs will be associated with treatment before committing yourself financially.
