While people understand the need to tackle mental health issues more than ever before, they can still face obstacles when it comes to finding the right therapist! When building a relationship with a new therapist, it can be emotional and uncomfortable. After all, we’re asked to open up about the most intimate things about ourselves. We might feel judged, or that the therapist isn’t right for us, and it might take meeting a few different therapists before finding the right fit. It’s essential to engage in self-reflection after meeting with a new therapist because trust is one of the most critical factors for therapy success. Forming a trusting relationship with your therapist can significantly impact the outcomes of your therapeutic progress.
When looking for a therapist, you might come across different titles and credentials. Therapists use different approaches and come from different backgrounds: social work, psychology, creative arts therapy, psychiatry, etc. While these different backgrounds have other methods, therapists from every background will have a common goal — helping you solve the underlying issues impacting your mental health.
Moreover, finding and choosing a therapist as a BIPOC can be even more challenging because there are often not many BIPOC therapists. Working with a white therapist as a BIPOC client can be an incredibly delicate process. Therapists must acknowledge and accept that they are in a position of power: a client might sense that this power position is reflective of other oppressive structures of power outside the therapy room. This is not to say that there should be no intercultural therapeutic relationships, just that it is important to state that our identities are always present and hold meaning, especially in the therapy room.
So when you’re looking for the right therapist that can help you achieve your goals on your healing journey, you may have already put down specific criteria such as their qualifications, experience, or approach you’re looking for. You probably also put down some key demographics you would prefer or feel more comfortable with. But what is most important on your journey is finding a therapist you feel connected to that you can trust.