Tips for Finding the Right Therapist in Boca

Elderly woman putting her finger on her head in dismay

There is a relationship which exists between the patient and the therapist, the strength of which can determine the outcome and overall effectiveness of the treatment itself. Just as with any other relationship, however, some will work out better than others. In other words, just as one might find the right partner, one must also determine who is the right therapist.

Finding the right therapist can be challenging, even with all of the resources available. Even thorough research can lead to some pairings that simply don’t work out. Much like personal relationships, finding a good relationship between patient and therapist can be a process of trial and error. It helps to be informed of what to look for in a therapist and to know exactly what you want out of therapy.

While the fundamentals of clinical treatment are similar, how individual therapists operate can be unique to them and their practice. For example, different therapists may have different methods of administering treatment – such as whether or not they employ pharmaceuticals or holistic alternatives. Other variables can be whether or not they specialize in treating children, adolescents or families. Some therapists may even specialize in practices such as CBT, art or music-integration therapy.

Three Signs Your Current Therapist is Not a Good Match

1. Sessions are Not Something to Look Forward to

A major indicator that things just aren’t working out is that the patient simply isn’t looking forward to sessions with their therapist. Therapy should not be something that is dreaded or treated as a chore. When therapy is working well, the session can feel like the high point of the patient’s week. Sometimes sessions may be slow or dull-feeling, and other times there may be some challenging material covered which can leave one feeling emotionally exhausted. However, patients should never feel negatively about therapy. Even though it can be painful, therapy should feel empowering. Recurring boredom or frustration may be a reason to consult with one’s therapist to suggest a different form of treatment. If nothing changes, then perhaps a different therapist will help.

2. There is No Personal Growth

Another indication that the relationship between patient and therapist may be failing is that sessions of therapy aren’t resulting in any personal growth for the patient. In a good patient-therapist relationship, the therapist can guide their patient towards better choices and healthier thought processes which can benefit them greatly in their day-to-day lives. When treatment is ineffective, one might not observe any positive changes. If there is no improvement in relationships, confidence, or in the management of the problem itself – such as depression or anxiety, then the therapy is most likely not working. This lack of progress can be a major sign that something is simply not clicking, whether it be with the treatment or with the relationship between therapist and patient.

3. Therapy Isn’t Challenging

A good session of therapy can be challenging. There is more to the relationship between therapist and patient than passive listening. Sure, therapists are there to listen to their patient’s problems and needs, but in a good therapeutic relationships the therapist also challenges their patient to confront their choices and make new and better ones. Therapy should inspire positive change, and embolden the patient to believe that they are capable of such progress. Therapy that is too passive and unresponsive is almost never successful. Far from improving, therapy which doesn’t challenge the patient can be boring and can lead to the patient frequently missing sessions or to stop going altogether. For therapy to be the most effective, both therapist and patient must be engaged and actively working towards shared goals. That activity and desire to grow and develop is what motivates necessary change. Without it, there is only stagnation.

Is Therapy Disappointing? Try a Different Therapist!

In every profession there will be people whom we work better with than others, and the same can be said for therapy. If therapy doesn’t seem to be working, sometimes it means that we need to see a different therapist – one who can better accommodate our own unique needs. Hiring a therapist should be approached with the same consideration as one would hire an employee for their company. Evaluating a therapist’s offerings and technique is not unlike looking over a resume to find if an employee is qualified for a position. We must feel free to explore our options before committing ourselves to several sessions with any single therapist. In doing this, we can ensure a greater likelihood that the treatment will succeed. After all, the relationship between therapist and patient should be strong. It is this bond that is crucial to the effectiveness of the therapy itself.

To learn more about our therapists, or to schedule an appointment, call 800-378-9354.