More information

If you would like more information:

  • How do I choose a psychotherapist?
  • A few things that should NOT happen during a psychotherapy session
  • How do I know if I’m making progress in therapy?

How do I choose a psychotherapist?

Choosing a psychotherapist can be challenging and is often a process.
Many therapists are highly trained, with extensive coursework, specializations, qualifications, and a wealth of experience; they have put considerable effort into learning and studying. Others have fewer qualifications and have taken fewer courses. However, regardless of training, a natural inclination toward this profession, talent, intuition, the ability to be empathetic, flexibility, and creativity are extremely important skills for a psychotherapist. That is why choosing a psychotherapist is based more on subjective criteria than objective ones.

Objective criteria:

  • It is important to make sure that the therapist you choose is licensed to practice and is accredited. You can verify this with the Romanian College of Psychologists by simply searching the Register of Psychologists.
  • Check to see if the therapist you’ve chosen has experience or offers services related to the issue you’re facing
  • There are many different types of psychotherapy—read up on the different types to see which one might be best for you.

Subjective criteria:

  • a friend’s recommendation
  • you relate to the way they present themselves
  • Do you like the name, do you like the photo, etc.
  • How do you feel about your interaction with that therapist after the first phone call or the first session?:
    • you feel like you can trust
    • you feel safe
    • you feel comfortable talking about yourself
    • you feel like you’re not being judged or criticized
    • you feel accepted and understood
    • you feel that the therapist is open and honest

Otherwise, it’s best to trust your own judgment and intuition and look for someone else.

During your sessions, if you feel that the therapist is saying things that resonate with you, it’s a sign that the therapy is progressing well. Psychotherapy is a process based on cooperation and trust, and it is conducted in strict confidence so that you feel safe.

A few things that should NOT happen during a psychotherapy session

  • To be CRITICIZED, JUDGED, or DOMINATED
  • To be given advice on what to do or not to do in a particular situation
  • Don’t let anyone IMPOSE their OPINIONS or VIEWS on you about anything, but especially about politics, religion, sexual orientation, age, culture, etc.
  • To avoid accepting feedback from you
  • To be given PROMISES or to be given GUARANTEES
  • Feeling like you’re being FORCED TO SAY MORE THAN YOU WANT TO – trust is very important
  • Being spoken to in a tone that is too casual or friendly – it is important to maintain a professional tone
  • To talk TO YOU ABOUT THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES OR PERSONAL ISSUES IN A PERSONAL WAY – they may share experiences similar to yours, but you, as a client, should feel that you have something to learn from it
  • Being asked for INFORMATION related to YOUR PROFESSION or providing services related to your profession
  • Arrange MEETINGS OUTSIDE OF CLASSES (for coffee, for example)
  • To not share any information about yourself with anyone other than yourself, subject to the terms of confidentiality
  • SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS OR SEXUAL, SEDUCTIVE BEHAVIOR with you or with people close to you
  • Be late, reschedule meetings often, finish early
  • Don’t listen, jump to conclusions
  • To make inappropriate JOKES, be CYNICAL or SARCASTIC toward you, or TEASE you
  • To be VERY PROTECTIVE or to have EXAGGERATED EMOTIONAL REACTIONS

Remember, however, that THERAPISTS ARE HUMAN AND THEY ARE NOT PERFECT. If unpleasant situations arise or if at some point you happen to feel uncomfortable in your relationship with your therapist, this is normal, and it’s a good idea to talk openly about how you feel or what you’re thinking.

How do I know if I’m making progress in therapy?

In general, your emotional state improves right after the first session. After a few sessions, your symptoms should decrease in intensity or frequency. Your relationships with others improve. You feel more satisfied with life. These are signs that progress is being made in therapy.

However, keep in mind that therapy is a process, so it’s important to realize that you won’t always feel like you’re making steady progress. They say that sometimes we have to feel bad before we can feel better. When you feel like you’re stuck in therapy or that things aren’t going well, talk openly with your therapist. There may be certain obstacles, some of which might even stem from the therapeutic relationship itself. Perhaps your needs or therapeutic goals have changed. Perhaps certain techniques or methods don’t resonate with you. There could be many reasons. It’s better to try to resolve this impasse first rather than give up on the process.