By Amanda Mataija 

Choosing the right mental health counsellor/therapist is one of the first steps in taking care of your mental health/wellbeing.

When talking about what makes a good therapist, the first thing to be taken into consideration is that this is the professional who will listen to your concerns in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. 

It is important to check their credentials and professional background to know that you are choosing a therapist who has the right set of skills for performing the therapy most suited for your mental health needs.

Also, when deciding on a therapist, there are a few other important points to take into consideration: 

1. Personality match: Positive connection with your therapist is of key importance. A therapist who guides sessions with empathy, genuineness, and trust has a high chance to develop a strong rapport with clients.
2. Trust: You shall feel that you can trust your therapist and share your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, especially when you are feeling uncomfortable, scared, or even intimidated by them.
3. Unconditional positive regard: Good therapists accept all of the client’s feelings and experiences equally and avoid making judgments about their value or validity.
4. Communicate positively: The therapist shall be the one to communicate positively with you, in a way that is based on respect and builds trust and collaboration
5. Specific preferences: Your preferences and comfort level: The best healing work happens when you feel connected to and comfortable with your therapist. You may also want to find a therapist who is familiar with your identity, cultural preferences, or language. 

There are several different approaches in therapy and we will briefly cover some of the most commonly used:

1. CBT (Cognitive-behavioural therapy): CBT is a treatment approach that helps you recognize negative or unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. CBT aims to help you identify and explore the ways your emotions and thoughts can affect your actions.
2. Psychoanalytic therapy: This therapy approach is a form of talk therapy based on Sigmund Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis. The approach explores how the unconscious mind influences your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
3. Reality therapy: Reality therapy is a client-centred form of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy that focuses on improving present relationships and circumstances while avoiding discussion of past events.
4. Client-centred therapy (person-centred therapy) is a non-directive approach to talk therapy. It requires the client to actively take the reins during each therapy session, while the therapist acts mainly as a guide or a source of support for the client.

Last, but not least, when you’re searching for the right therapist, it’s okay to inquire about the cost of therapy and if sessions can be done online/in person, or both.

Ask the therapist’s office or your insurance company about these concerns related to the cost of therapy.

In Prague Integration we provide different programs (student, financial difficulties, single parents) and our therapists have different rates. Book yourself for a free discovery session and make sure you find your best fit!