What to Look For in a Psychologist?

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

hi everyone ive been struggling for quite a with a few severe mental health conditions and have decided its time to seek some more professional help but I'm just not sure where to start?

I'm just wondering what traits you find to best the best for psychologists? e.g friendly, loud etc

what should I look for when I'm seeking for one? e.g Is there any information I should find out before commiting to this psychologist?

do you think arranging a face to face with a few different psychologists would be worthwhile to see which one works best for me?

thank you 🙂

[Starwolf]

Hi Bellababe, welcome to the forums.

An interesting question. Thank you for putting it out there. You are right, therapy is all about teamwork so it is important to find someone you can trust and work with long-term. Kudos to you for choosing the proactive approach.

You will find helpful info in the Get support section (find a professional) top left of this page. Local research will help find the right person more easily.

As with all service providers, word of mouth often works best. Perhaps your local surgery, hospital, Community or Neighbourhood Center could point you in the right direction.

First of all, a therapist should make you feel at ease. S/he should be willing to answer questions that you may have. Then there is the matter of personal affinity. A particular psy may work out well for someone else but not for you... It may take several attempts before finding someone you are comfortable with.

Importantly, there's nothing wrong with letting go of someone who doesn't feel right for you.

I wish you all the best.

[MsPurple]

Hi bellababe

I am in the process of finding a psychologist myself so I thought I would add into the conversation. I went to a new GP as I had moved states. I just got my mental health plan renewed (can get one once a year) and there I asked about seeing a therapist. Most GPs know local psychologists and know what areas they specialise in. I have general anxiety disorder so I needed to see one that worked with anxiety. I also have a history of eating disorders and I am trying to lose weight, so she suggested I see one that also works with that, so from there she helped me pick one. I didn't want to do too much googling as I didn't want to obsess about it. My past counsellors/therapists I have needed to feel comfortable with. Ones where I don't feel judged. For me the gender of the person isn't an issue, but I know some people are only comfortable seeing someone of the same gender (and that's ok). Think about what kinda person you can talk to an open up too and this is the kinda person you want to see as a therapist.

Hope you find someone that clicks with you.

[Zeal]

Hello Bella,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm glad others have already provided helpful advice. I would just to emphasise the importance of choosing the psychologist who feels right for you. Some people prefer psychologists who are similar to them personality-wise, some may want a 'serious' psychologist, while others need someone who has a more warm and relaxed persona. Beyondblue has a search tool that can be used to find psychologists Australia-wide. Here's the link: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-professional You could book an appointment with your doctor (GP) to get a referral to a psychologist. Your GP may be able to recommend a specific psychologist that will suit your needs and preferences.

Good luck!

Best wishes,

Zeal

[geoff]

hi Bellababe, it's a good question and good answers by those above me.
Believe it or not it's looking into their eyes, I know that's a difficult recognition to know whether or not this can happen, but let's say you're walking down the street and you meet someone you know and if they are going to talk with you, then isn't it the look on their face especially in their eyes that give you an indication whether they are going to warm, because you can definitely tell if they are going to be cross with you, then that's how you will feel.
The same will happen with your psychologist, that's the first way if you are going to like them, then the second point is how they answer what you have to say, whether they will bring you down and say 'you shouldn't feel that way', in other words if they are condescending they will be no help, but if in fact they are very kind and try to make themselves feel as though they want to connect with you that's great.
Another point which may not be of any significant, but depends on how you feel is whether or not they can remember all the names you have mentioned and where these people sit in your life. Geoff.

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

Wow i never thought of that! Thank you 🙂

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

Ive got a mental health plan 🙂 i was considering changing as i dont really think me and my current psychologist click 🙂

Ill have a look at the link too thank you 🙂

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

Thank you and all the best for finding one that works for you too

Yeah i dont think me and my current psychologist really clicks and and since seeing her all i do is question her methods and dont find im getting any better

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

Thank you 🙂

i dont really know if me and my current psychologist really clicks ao im searching for another one. Thank you ill keep all your advice while im searching for a new one

[Guest_4DC6D4DC]

Great thank you. I dont really think im clicking with my current psychologist and started to look foe another one but wasnt sure really what to look for.

Ill keep your advice in mind while im looking for people and start talking to my new psychologist 🙂