Signs That You Have A Great Psychologist

Updated on June 2, 2022

Presented by BetterHelp.

Finding a good psychologist isn’t always easy. Sometimes they don’t have the skill, background, or experience to help you, while other times, they just aren’t a great fit. Furthermore, discerning whether or not your psychologist is a good match for you can be difficult or take some time. However, there are some signs to look out for if you are unsure whether or not your psychologist is truly helping you. This article will list some of those signs.

They’re A Great Listener

One of the most important qualities of great psychologists is that they’re excellent listeners. They not only listen to what you’re saying, but they also focus on how you say it. They do this by paying attention to your body language and tone of voice to decipher your emotions as you discuss your challenges or past. This allows them to gain a deeper understanding of what you’re going through and how to best help you.

They Validate Your Emotions

Another sign of a great psychologist is that they validate your emotions. They understand that you may be feeling a range of emotions, from anger and sadness to fear and anxiety, and don’t make you feel bad for experiencing those feelings. Furthermore, they don’t try to talk you out of your emotions or tell you that they’re not valid. Instead, they work with you to help you understand and process them in a healthy way.

They Offer A Variety Of Treatments And Solutions

A great psychologist will offer you a variety of treatments and solutions to choose from instead of just sticking to one treatment or therapy strategy. For example, they won’t just suggest their favorite form of therapy or insist that medication alone will fix your problems. Instead, they will offer a variety of options and help you choose the one that is best for you and adjust their approach as needed.

You See Great Improvements In Yourself

If you’re working with a great psychologist, you will see yourself improving over time. This may manifest in different ways for different people. For some, it may be a decrease in anxiety or depression symptoms. Others may find that they can cope with their challenges in a more healthy way. Whatever the case may be, great psychologists will help you make progress in your life.

Now, keep in mind that progress isn’t always quick. It can take weeks, months, or even years to see significant changes. However, as long as you see some improvements, it’s a good sign that your psychologist is a great fit.

You Can Trust Them

One of the most important aspects of any relationship is trust. This is especially true when it comes to the relationship between you and your psychologist. You need to be able to trust them with your most personal thoughts and feelings. Chances are, you will tell them things that you may have never admitted to anyone else. Therefore, a lack of trust will prevent you from getting the treatment and help you need.

You Feel Supported And Cared About

Another sign of a great psychologist is that you feel supported and cared about. This doesn’t mean that they always agree with you or that they’re never challenging. Instead, it means that they make you feel valued and respected. They make an effort to understand your perspective and meet you where you’re at. Even when they are challenging you, you can tell it is out of deep concern for you and are not trying to be difficult.

What Should You Do If Your Psychologist Is Not A Good Fit?

If, after reading this article, you realize that your psychologist isn’t a good fit for you, don’t despair. It’s not uncommon to need to switch psychologists at some point in your life. The most important thing is that you find someone you can trust and connect with to get the help and support you need. Here are a few tips to help you with that process:

  • Talk to your current psychologist about your concerns. They may not be aware of their behavior and how it’s impacting you. If they are open to feedback, you may be able to work together to improve the relationship.
  • If talking to your psychologist doesn’t help, reach out to your insurance company for recommendations for new psychologists. They can provide you with a list of in-network providers who may be a better fit for you.
  • Ask family and friends for referrals. They may know someone who has had a great experience with a psychologist and can recommend them to you.
  • Check out online therapy options. Online therapy is typically easier to access and cheaper than traditional therapy. It also offers more flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. You will also have more choices available to you, access to reviews of past clients, and see a small bio of the psychologists which outlines their approach and treatment strategies.
  • Don’t beat yourself up if you need to find a new psychologist. Sometimes people just don’t connect, which can happen in therapy as well. Searching for a new psychologist is by no means a sign that there is something wrong with you. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a great psychologist, there are certain qualities to look for. They should be a great listener, validate your emotions, offer a variety of treatments and solutions, and be trustworthy. If your psychologist is not a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone else for help. With the right psychologist, you can improve your life in amazing ways.

For even more advice on picking out the right psychologist, check out the advice and resources found at BetterHelp

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.