Qualities I Look for in a Therapist

Over the years, I have seen a variety of therapists in hopes of treating my major depressive disorder. Through this trial and error, I have found a variety of qualities that I look for in a therapist. I tend to look at things such as a therapist’s experience, their ability to personalize my treatment, and their personality.

Therapist's experience and focus areas

After being referred to a therapist, from either another doctor or my insurance, I always research the therapist. To be honest, I am not looking at their educational background. I investigate the therapist’s experience. While major depressive disorder is one of my main concerns, I also struggle with some other mental health issues. These conditions include complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and anxiety.

I feel like my therapist needs to have experience in working with individuals who have similar concerns as mine. I do not want a therapist who is new to treating major depressive disorder, complex PTSD, and anxiety. Normally, therapists have biographies available that highlight their focus areas.

Ability to personalize treatment

Since we are all unique in our own ways, a therapist must be able to personalize the proposed treatment plan. A plan that may work for me, may not be effective for you.

A good therapist can recognize when a change is needed in the trajectory of their initial treatment plan. If a treatment plan is not working for you, a good therapist should be able to take this information and adapt their methods.

The way that I view medical professionals is that they work for me. I have moved on from a therapist in the past when we hit a major roadblock in the treatment plan and they insisted on continuing with something that was not effective for me.

How I feel with a therapist

For me, other important qualities in a therapist include a friendly persona, being patient and accommodating, as well as being able to be a great listener.

Despite a therapist's education and experience, they need to be friendly and comforting to you. It is very important that you feel safe and comfortable opening up about the things going on in your life.

Your therapist needs to be able to be patient, understanding, and accommodating. Being open and honest about some of our deepest, darkest, emotions and thoughts can be very difficult. We must not be rushed to open up too quickly because of an impatient therapist.

Strong communication

Your therapist must be able to listen attentively to you. Their communication skills should include both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Sometimes we may say one thing verbally, but our body language may suggest something different. These moments highlight areas that need to be approached again.

Finding the support for your depression

At the end of the day, your experience and how you feel after a session with your therapist is what matters the most. If you do not feel heard, understood, or that your therapist is putting in the appropriate effort towards your care, you are allowed to find another therapist.

You are allowed to be in control of your mental health care and it is a very important task.