Professionalism, qualifications, specialization and practical methods are the main parameters for finding “your” psychologist. The following are important criteria for choosing a specialist who will lead to the correct solution to psychological problems.
The help of a professional psychologist is simply necessary when you find yourself in a difficult life situation or feel that the time is ripe for change, but cannot make up your mind. They resort to the help of a psychologist for chronic stress, family and work conflicts, grief and other problems. What to look for when choosing a mental health professional?
Choose a psychologist based on your needs. If these are family conflicts, then it is better to go to a family psychologist who advises couples. In case of feelings of loss or deep depression, you should contact a crisis specialist. There are specialists who work with psychosomatic diseases or provide psychological support for long-term chronic diseases.
Of course, a psychologist must have a basic psychological education, advanced training in specific psychotherapeutic methods. For example, for short-term psychotherapy or gestalt therapy. Usually, in the psychologist's office, educational certificates hang in a conspicuous place, if they are not there, then do not hesitate to ask about it.
It is important if the psychologist is supervised or has his own counselor. This speaks of professionalism, an ecological attitude towards oneself, of the ability to solve one's own psychological problems without transferring them to the client.
At the first visit, the psychologist should talk about the psychological technique that he owns, discuss the frequency of meetings and the fee for the session, which is usually 50-60 minutes. Please note that if you do not intend to comply with the agreements, you miss the session for various reasons, then the prepayment for it is not refundable. It is better to ask in advance on the Internet, what is the average cost of seeing a psychologist in your area. A specialist who knows his own worth will not advise at a lower price. If the price does not suit you, but the psychologist suits you, then you can discuss options. As a rule, psychologists meet halfway and find a mutually satisfying solution.
It is desirable that the specialist has sufficient practical and life experience. In some cases, clients prefer to contact a psychologist of their own gender and close age, if this is significant for you, then choose according to this criterion.
The main thing in the joint work of a psychologist and a client is a trusting relationship. If you have any priority, fundamental life values for you, a certain position or religious views, inform the specialist about it. It will be easier for a deeply believing, church-going Christian to turn to an Orthodox psychologist.
Finding “your” psychologist can take some time, it is possible that you visit several specialists before finding a psychologist with whom you will be comfortable. But this means that you are already working on yourself and are looking for a solution. Remember that psychological problems are not solved instantly; it takes time for them to fully realize and change their lives.
