Research has found therapeutic relationship to have the most impact on therapy success. Finding the right therapist for your needs can be a challenging task.
Who can provide you with psychotherapy?
In Ontario, after the proclamation of the Ontario's Psychotherapy Act (April 1st, 2015), beside Registered Psychotherapists, members of five other regulated professions are authorized to call themselves psychotherapists and engage in delivering psychotherapy: nurses, occupational therapists, physicians, psychologists and psychological associates, and social workers and social service workers. Members of these regulated professions are required to abide by the standards and requirements established by their respective regulatory colleges for the practice of psychotherapy.
When the Psychotherapy Act is enforced as a Controlled Act, it is expected that only the above regulated professionals will be providing psychotherapy to the public.
How can you tell who you'd work well with?
Each therapeutic relationship can be so unique, it is difficult to predict who would work best with your needs. It may be helpful to consider the following in your search:
1. Are you comfortable with the practical pieces: fee structure, payment method, insurance, cancellation/rescheduling/missed appointments policy, hours, duration of sessions, confidential policy, in case of emergency or vacation “cover,” etc.? (See: My Appointment Policy)
2. Do the psychotherapist's credentials, in terms of education, training and experience, reflect your needs / issues?
3. Do you feel encouraged from your initial interaction with the psychotherapist? Does the way he or she approach therapy / treatment feel right to you?
Tips: Ask as much about your therapist as you'd feel comfortable, but stay open to possibilities yet unseen. Try to focus more on whether the therapist specializes in the area of
your challenge, rather than the type of therapeutic treatment or intervention. There's more than one effective way of addressing an issue, and what works for some people may not necessarily be a good fit for you.
NEXT: THERAPY GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
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