Red flags to look out for in a therapist

Therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals overcome a variety of challenges, improve their overall well-being, and work through some mental health hurtals. Through therapy, people can gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, learn coping skills, and develop strategies for managing anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. Whether dealing with mental health disorders, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can be a life-changing experience for anyone.

One of the most amazing aspects of therapy is the ability to build a strong therapeutic relationship with a trained professional who can provide greater insight into who you are as a unique human. This relationship provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to work through difficult emotions or traumatic experiences. Therapy can help you also process big life changes: a move, having a baby, or switching jobs; having a licensed professional to talk to can bring a positive outlook on a challenging or scarey life transitions. Additionally, therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness, which can lead to increased self-confidence, improved relationships with others, and live a more fulfilling life overall. So, therapy is an incredible resource that can help individuals achieve their goals and live happier, healthier lives simply through becoming vulnerable with themself and a licensed therapist. SInce therapy can be so transformative, it’s important you find the right therapist.

Here are some red flags to look out for with your therapist:

1. Lack of professionalism: A therapist should always act in a professional manner with their clients. Watch out for therapists who don’t keep to their schedule, don’t return phone calls or emails, or who seem to lack boundaries or disregard your specific boundaries.
2. Lack of credentials: Be wary of therapists who don’t have the proper credentials; you don’t want to get advice on mental health issues from someone who isn’t qualified to accurately assess your state of wellbeing. Make sure your therapist is licensed and has completed the appropriate training before you start doing in depth therapy with them.
3. Unreasonable expectations: If your therapist is making unrealistic promises, such as a quick fix to your problems, this is a red flag, there truly can’t be a formula that is going to work for each person and there is no timeline for finding inner healing. Therapy is a process, and it takes time and effort to see results so be patient throughout the process.
4. Inappropriate behavior: If your therapist is making you feel uncomfortable or engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as asking you for personal information or engaging in sexual behavior, this is a major red flag and should be reported to whoever is over that therapist. Trust your instincts and seek out a different therapist who is going to be respectful.
5. Lack of empathy: If your therapist seems detached or uninterested in your concerns, this is a sign that they may not be the right fit for you, because good therapist will take time to truly try to understand you and have compassion for your life struggles. A good therapist should be able to empathize with your situation and provide support and tools for you work process your feelings and circumstances.
6. Lack of progress: If you feel like you’re not making any progress in therapy, it may be time to reassess your therapist and consider trying a different therapist. A good therapist should be able to help you make progress towards your goals even if it’s a slow process.

Finding the right therapist is a crucial aspect of making progress in therapy so try to keep an eye out for some of these red flags listed above. It is important to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, and to have a good rapport with them to get the most out of your experience. However, it is not uncommon for people to realize that their therapist is not the right fit for them and if you do resonate with this feeling it’s okay to switch therapists. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as differences in communication style, personality, therapeutic approach, or even red flags. If you find yourself in this situation, it is perfectly okay to switch to a different therapist who better meets your needs because this journey is about you finding healing and improving your mental health. Therapy is a personal process and it’s important to find a therapist who is the right fit for you, so trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to seek out a different therapist if you feel like you need it.