There are a lot of therapists out there, each with different qualifications, approaches, and experiences. The relationship between patient and therapist is key to success, so finding the right fit is crucial. This is especially true when it comes to couples and other relationship counselling. Finding a therapist on your own can be a challenge, but finding a therapist with whom both you and your partner click can feel downright impossible.
If you’re on the hunt for online couples counselling in Adelaide, these are some of the things you should look for to ensure a good fit.
With a special interest in couples and familial relationships, Ros Yuen Psychology offers a number of services that revolve around fostering healthier and more resilient relationships. No matter what issues you’re currently facing, book an appointment today so that you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Why Finding the Right Therapist is Important
Therapy is a two-way street– you need to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with your therapist, and they need to be able to communicate with you in return on how you can overcome your issue.
When it comes to couples therapy, it’s not about choosing someone who will be ‘on your team’– it’s about choosing someone who can remain impartial while at the same time being someone that both people in the relationship can trust and talk with openly.
If one or both of you are unable to connect with your therapist, your chances of achieving a positive outcome are much lower. Without honesty and openness, your therapist will struggle to figure out the best way to help you.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Before embarking on your search for a couples therapist, you should ask yourselves these questions to ensure that you’re both on the same page:
- Why have you decided to seek therapy? And why now?
- What is it you want to work on?
- What is your desired outcome from therapy?
- What are you prepared to do to achieve this goal?
- What attributes do you want in a therapist (such as a clear communicator and/or a good listener)?
- What prior experiences do you have with therapy? What was useful? What wasn’t?
While both parties to the relationship may agree that they need therapy, their reasons why and ultimate goals will often differ.. The challenge for your therapist is to identify or create sufficient commonality to begin therapy. If therapy is effective, this good will will grow.
Finding a Couples Therapist
There are many ways to find a therapist. A great way to start is by visiting the Australian Psychological Society, which offers a handy ‘Find a Psychologist’ online tool. This will allow you to search their directory by location and issue, which should provide a list of candidates.
You could also try a simple online search. While you should focus on search terms that include your location and issue, it can also be helpful to include any other relevant social or cultural attributes (such as LGBTIQ+ friendly or blended families).
If you are comfortable, you could also ask family or friends for recommendations. Many couples attend therapy at some point, so it’s likely that you know someone who can make some valuable suggestions (or tell you the names of therapists to steer clear of).
What to Look For in a Therapist
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few therapists that you think will work for you, it’s a good idea to examine their websites. You will get a good idea of their experience and areas of interest from their self descriptions. Declare to your chosen therapist what made you choose her/him and observe if her/his response feels right for you. .
When it Doesn’t Feel Right
After attending one or two sessions, you’ll have a much better idea of whether you click with your therapist or not.
Ultimately, it’s important to trust your gut. If you or your partner doesn’t feel a connection with the therapist, it’s time to move on to someone else who may be a better fit. The therapist will not be offended and will be quite used to these sorts of situations.
Book Couples Counselling Today
Regardless of the issue you are currently facing, Ros Yuen Psychology supports couples in developing better communication patterns and establishing stronger, healthier, and happier relationships.
I would be more than happy to discuss your particular situation and your goals with therapy in more detail, either in a one-on-one consultation or together with your partner.
