Once you decide to seek the assistance of a therapist it is important that you are selective in choosing the person that will guide you in your healing. Remember that you have the right to ask any questions that will make you feel at ease. Finding the right therapist is too important of a decision to leave to chance. Here are some guidelines to look for.

The right therapist for you.....

1. Creates a safe, nurturing environment where you can feel safe, comfortable and connected.

2. Is capable of sustaining an open-minded, judgment-free setting in which you’ll be comfortable disclosing your thoughts and feelings.

3. Views the client/therapist relationship as a team effort, not one where the therapist is the expert on your life.

4. Is emotionally healthy. If the therapist has not worked through his or her own issues, they are bound to end up showing up in your sessions.

5. Has done his or her own therapy. You cannot effectively facilitate what you have not experienced.

6. Is comfortable with any emotions that you may have and is able to encourage your expression of them, no matter how intense.

7. Has clear boundaries. Disclosure of personal information by the therapist is fine, but only if it is beneficial to the client. You are not there to take care of the therapist’s feelings. The focus should always be on you, the client.

8. Is empathic, affirming and an attentive listener.

Trust your intuition on the therapist that you choose. Talk with him or her on the phone prior to your first session. In order for therapy to be effective, it is important that you choose someone who feels safe and trustworthy.