Psychological assistance may be needed in different situations. The time has passed when people simply went to any psychologist, sat down in a chair and began to pour out their feelings - today, when choosing a specialist, you should start from your needs.
The universality of a specialist in a situation with psychological assistance and counseling is unjustified in practice. The fact is that a specialist who covers a large volume of areas of work may not be competent enough in specific matters. Most psychologists can help in different situations, but each specialist has his own priorities. If you get an appointment with a psychologist who specializes in family problems, but you came to him with depression, then the quality of care may not be sufficient. At the same time, if you make an appointment with such a specialist with questions regarding family life, you will receive the best advice through the prism of your particular case.
When choosing a specialist, you can rely on various approaches.
Psychologist on the recommendation
A proven method, but in the case of a psychologist is far from the best. Advice from friends, relatives, and other patients held by a particular psychologist cannot be a guide to action - the proportion of individual opinions is too high. The work of a specialist is difficult to universalize, so if a doctor is suitable for one person, then it is not a fact that he will suit another. In addition, people are reluctant to share what they visited the psychologist, so the discussion on this topic is problematic.
Web search
The most common way in modern society. There is no shortage of advertisements for psychological counseling services on the Internet today. Unfortunately, the information on the site may not always correspond to reality, and specialists always seek to show their best on ads, often without hesitation to embellish their abilities.
There are many incompetent psychologists on the Internet who show themselves super-representative, misleading clients. It should be understood that there is qualified help, but there is "dusting of the brain." Beautiful cabinet decor, tea, coffee, spectacular paintings on the walls - even the smile of a psychologist does not solve your problems. For a really good doctor, this is not the main thing - communication, information exchange, and tips for overcoming the crisis are priority. It is difficult to obtain via the Internet, so this method can only be considered as an auxiliary for the selection of a psychologist.
Trial and error method
The method is somewhat risky (it will take time and money), but in practice it turns out to be the most justified. After talking with a psychologist, you will be able to evaluate his work in the sight of yourself - this is very important in view of the individuality of the consultations.
Risk is always present. If you came to a specialist, then you should try to solve your problem, and not evaluate its work. The task of a psychologist is to build work with you so that you practically do not see his work, but get a solution to the problem. If the goal is achieved, then you are at the right specialist.
Attendance at psychological events
An unusual approach, but if you are looking for a specialist who will help you in the long run, it is quite rational to come to a seminar or a master class - this is how you will see a specialist in work, you will be able to evaluate his professionalism. When conducting mass events, it is quite realistic to evaluate several psychologists at once and make an actual comparison of their work. Also, visitors to such events can get a free or very cheap consultation.
The negative side of this approach is the difficult environment for psychological consultation - a large number of distracting people, whose presence makes it difficult to disclose the patient, minimizes the effect of the consultation. At the same time, if the goal is simply to get to know a psychologist, to get basic advice, then such events are perhaps the best option for you.
Universal tips for finding a psychologist:
- Pay attention to specialist education. It is important to evaluate the university, specialization, continuing education courses. The optimal solution would be a doctor who has been trained in the field of clinical psychology. Of course, education is not a guarantee of quality, as its absence does not mean low qualifications. But in collaboration with an educated psychologist, the likelihood of getting qualified help is much higher.
- When evaluating continuing education courses, pay attention to the profile. Professional specialists regularly undergo additional training, because psychology as a type of practical activity is constantly evolving and compliance with current standards is required from a specialist. Priority areas of work are psychoanalysis, psychodrama, gestalt therapy, and cognitive therapy.
- Participation of a specialist in psychological communities and organizations. This indicates a high authority and attentive approach of a person to his activities.
- Analyze books and articles authored by a specialist. Many psychologists either write to specialized publications or publish their work online. You should familiarize yourself with the methods that a person is studying.
- Call a psychologist. By phone you can ask questions of interest, hear the doctor’s voice and make a decision. In practice, this proves to be very useful and productive.
Psychological assistance is the best solution in many difficult life situations. People who were able to overcome their shyness and visited a psychologist's reception can perfectly solve the difficulties that arise in life. The right choice of a specialist is a decisive moment for a person.
