Are you considering finding a therapist in Singapore? Doing so can be easy when you know what kind of support you require and how to asses if a therapist has specialisations that can help you live a better life.
Before anything else, the ‘right’ therapist is often the one with whom you can develop a strong therapeutic alliance.
Or, in other words, your professional relationship with the therapist Singapore has to be built on trust and unconditional support.
Let’s explore the 5 most important steps – like reviewing profiles and checking your intuition – to find the right therapist.
Identify Your Goals for Therapy
What kind of help do you need? Are you looking to manage personal issues like low self-esteem and lack of confidence – or are you looking for more specialised support to overcome anxiety, depression, or work-related burnout?
Identifying your needs and goals for therapy is the first step that can help you asses a therapist’s profile.
To do so, list down your thoughts and journal them for a couple of days. Alternatively, you can also track your mood.
Next, consider the changes you want to see in yourself. What do you want your life to look like after getting therapy? Whatever you think about after asking yourself this question is probably one of your goals for therapy.
Review Therapists’ Profiles
Now that you understand your therapy goals, it’s time to shortlist therapist profiles.
Refer to your therapy needs and filter profiles based on the issues the therapists have listed out.
Once you have this information, try to analyse the types of qualifications and certifications each therapist has.
Review information on:
- The therapist’s educational background
- Therapy approaches
- Therapy style
- Specialisations in issues
- Hobbies and outlook on life
Choose Your Modality
After reviewing the profiles, choose your modality.
Although the therapist will help you with this process after you begin therapy, reading about the different types of modalities and how they can benefit you can be helpful.
Ask yourself: Am I looking for face-to-face support where the therapist can detect all verbal and nonverbal cues, or do I need sessions that are convenient and accessible at any time of the day?
If you choose the former, you may benefit from in-person therapy. If you choose the latter, online therapy can help you.
Interview the Therapist
You have now booked your first session – congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards improving your psychological wellness.
Now, consider the first therapy a mutual interview where you and your therapist get to know each other.
Although you have found a therapist you like, it’s still time to assess their profile and decide whether they’re the right fit.
Hence, ask all your questions and doubts during the first session.
Some question ideas are:
- How much experience do you have?
- Can you help me with my specific issue?
- What therapeutic approach will you use, and can I provide feedback if it doesn’t work for me?
- How will we measure progress during therapy?
- How long do I need therapy, and how frequently?
- How will you navigate any lack of progress during therapy?
Check Your Comfort Level With the Therapist
When looking for an anxiety therapist Singapore, you may want to check how comfortable you feel with them.
To find out whether you feel comfortable, ask yourself some of the questions below after each session:
- Do I feel validated?
- Am I comfortable enough to share my deepest feelings and thoughts?
- How hopeful do I feel after sharing personal experiences?
- Does the therapist understand me?
- Do I feel safe?
If you answered yes to most of the questions above, you may have found the right therapist.
However, after reflecting, if you conclude that you don’t feel comfortable with a therapist, it’s always a good idea to look for someone new.
Changing therapists is common and, in fact, recommended. Finding the right therapist can take some time, but it’s worth the effort.
Takeaway
To find the right therapist in Singapore, reflect on your therapy needs and goals, review the therapist’s profiles, choose a modality, interview the therapist, and check your comfort level after every session.
Remember to focus on building a strong and safe therapeutic alliance. Data shows that the relationship you build with your therapist directly results in therapy outcomes.
By keeping these key aspects in mind, you’ll find the right therapist for your needs!
Smith