What are the qualities of the best Therapist?

Question

A 9th grade is too offensive at home, school, and even with friends and parents. Lots of people suggest we get help from psychologists or therapists. We are afraid of madisons that Mostly Psychologists advise. So we don't prefer them. But the kid won't want to go for a Therapist. So how we can deal with this problem?

Answer 1

The best qualities in a therapist are:

1. warm and conforting

No one wants to feel vulnerable with their emotions around someone who seems cold and angry. Younger patients specifically will have trouble with this if they are being forced into therapy by their parents.

1. competent/best suited for a case

If you go to a therapist, and they offer to refer you to another therapist that more so specializes in treating your specific issues, they are a good therapist. Mental health is not a “one size fits all” when it comes to treatment. For example, if a therapist only knows treatments for depression, but is treating a patient with autism, some of the techniques could actually be harmful to those with autism. Essentially, the therapist needs to trained/equipped to assist with your specific needs.

1. culturally/structurally competent

Cultural and structural competence are not always given enough attention, but it is extremely important. Advice and techniques may not be applicable or practical for people who are in different cultures or have different lifestyles than the therapist.

1. good at reading behavior and adjusting accordingly

A good therapist can tell if their patient is feeling uncomfortable, triggered, dissociative, etc. The therapist can then use their observations to adjust their session, and work on things that may come up through the session.

There are obviously other qualities that are important, but these are the qualities that came to mind.