Choosing a psychologist

When you meet a psychologist for the first time it’s important to consider whether or not you feel comfortable working with that particular individual. This may be difficult to assess if you are distressed, desperate for help and having difficulties thinking clearly. You may also be looking for immediate relief and not wish to meet several psychologists before making a decision. I believe it is very important to feel you can trust your psychologist. You also want to be sure that how the psychologist works suits you and your particular difficulties. It is not only important that your psychologist is a qualified practitioner, but also that the two of you are able to work well together.

Psychologists work in different ways, depending on the theoretical framework their work is based on. To complicate matters further, it is unlikely that two psychologists will work in the same manner even when working from the same framework. Psychologists, like everyone else, are individuals and their personality and style impact their work. Also, the same psychologist may take different approaches with different clients. Therapy takes place within the relationship between the client and the psychologist and no two therapies can be identical.

You may not immediately know if a psychologist is right for you. Usually by the fourth or fifth session you will have a sense of how comfortable you feel. If you have any concerns or doubts, it is best to first discuss them with your psychologist. They should take your concerns seriously and hopefully be able to effectively address them. Sometimes, however, the client’s and psychologist’s personalities just do not mix well and it is best to terminate the contract and seek help elsewhere.