How do you know if you have a good counselor?
Please note: For what they are worth, these comments represent Debbie’s opinions and perceptions based upon her own experiences and must be understood as such. Thank you…
How do you know if you have a good counselor?
What a great question this is! The most important thing about a counselor is that he/she is a person who you can trust. This means, to me, anyway….
The person really listens to you and lets you know that they understand your experience. If they don’t get it, how can they really give you something that will help YOU?
Legitimate counselors have a license to do counseling. This means that they have had training, supervision and experience in the mental health field. If they have a license that means that there is a State Board that upholds standards of conduct to protect you from unethical practices.
Other things to consider:
- Does the counselor accept your health insurance? Sessions can be expensive, and it is important to get some of the cost covered by your insurance (or your EAP) if you can.
- Clarify whether the person you are considering can give you what you want. Do you want advice? Or do you want to learn something? Or do you want to have help clarifying the issues so that you can work them out yourself?
- Compare your sense of comfort as you interview (in-person or on the phone or even using the internet) several candidates. Which one seems to “get it?” Which one seems to have the patience to chat with you?
- Does the therapist have a way to explain their approach? Does it seem to apply to your situation?
- Does the counselor use the same approach with everyone? Or can they customize their work to meet your exact needs?
- What kind of treatment philosophy does your counselor have? Do they follow a particular school of treatment? Or do they know several? How will they pick the one they use with you? Will you have a chance to make choices about the approach?
- How long do they think it will take to address your problem?
- Have they had experience with your problem and with the goals you would like to achieve?
- Does the therapist seem sensitive to you and your needs? Or do they seem to have another agenda?
- Do you feel uneasy or unsafe with them and their office? Is it in a safe environment? Is there enough privacy?
Is the office accessible? Handicap friendly? Is there convenient parking?
These are a few of the things to consider as you make your choice. Remember, legitimate therapists cannot guarantee results; most of them cannot use testimonials or endorsements from ex-clients. (This practice is considered unethical by many licensure boards.) Your best approach is to ask friends or your MD for a recommendation. And then be sure to interview them first, so that you can develop a sense of whether they will fit your needs. …dhc