What are Green Flags in a Therapist?
The search for a therapist can be daunting. It can be so difficult to even figure out where to start or what to look for. There are so many opinions out there of what is good or bad for a therapist, and it can feel really confusing. If you’re in this boat, here is a list of green flags in a therapist to help you out.
They are present and attentive.
When you meet with your therapist, you should feel like you have their full attention. When you speak, your therapist should seem engaged in the conversation and able to offer hands-on support based on what you’re needing in that moment.
They try to understand your experience.
A good therapist will work to ensure that they can understand how you’re feeling and what you need. They will probably ask questions to further clarify or expand upon something you said. This helps them to get where you’re coming from and be on the same page.
They do what they can to help you feel comfortable.
We all know therapy can feel uncomfortable—there are certainly easier things to do than share all of your darkest moments with a stranger! Your therapist should help you to feel like they (and the environment) are a safe and comfortable space to share openly and without judgement.
They set and maintain professional boundaries.
Therapists are professionals, and should follow their Code of Ethics outlined by their licensing board. This means maintaining professional boundaries, like: starting and ending on time, holding you accountable for missed sessions, enforcing their practice policies, contacting during outlined times, and keeping the relationship professional, not personal.
They help you feel empowered.
Your therapist should be a source of support for you, and someone you feel like is there to celebrate your accomplishments. Ideally, they will see all of your strengths and help you to realize all of the wonderful things you have to offer.
They are open to feedback.
Part of having a comfortable relationship means having open dialogue about reactions and responses to things that arise. If you tell your therapist that you didn’t like something they said or did, or that something wasn’t helpful, this can become a great opportunity for further discussion and taking accountability for misspeaks.
They acknowledge their limitations.
Similar to the last point, therapists are human, and we’re not going to say or do everything properly, nor will we always know everything. If the support you’re needing is out of the scope of your therapist’s knowledge base, they should offer referrals and recommendations to help you attain the level of support that is right for you.
Ready to start therapy? Reach out today for a free 15 minute phone consultation!
