Quality Therapists Matter. Here Are the Traits You Should Look For

Discover the key traits of an effective therapist that can transform your mental health journey. Find hope, support, and guidance.

Finding a good therapist can be a daunting task for anyone, and it’s not uncommon for many to feel overwhelmed by the process. In fact, a recent survey found that 72% of people found the process of finding a new therapist to be overwhelming, and the average American will go through three therapists before finding one that’s the right fit for them. This can be a costly and frustrating endeavor since the average cost of therapy is between $30-$50 per session. That’s why it’s crucial to know what traits to look for in a quality therapist before committing to a treatment plan.

Great therapy starts with a great client-therapist relationship. Clients who are happy with their therapists tend to have better mental health outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore the key traits that set great therapists apart from the rest, so you can spend less time searching and more time feeling better.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make the best possible choice in finding a therapist who can help you live your brightest life. We understand that finding a quality therapist can be a challenging task, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Let’s dive into the traits that make a good therapist, so you can start your journey toward mental wellness with confidence.

Why do quality therapists matter?

There are many factors that go into effective therapy, both on the clients’ and therapists’ ends. However, one of the main factors is called therapeutic alliance. In short, this is the relationship between the client and the therapist, and has three main components:

A positive emotional bond
Agreement on tasks and goals during therapy
Perceived openness and truthfulness between client and therapist

These three traits make a strong client-therapist relationship, which can lead to more effective therapy. So, it’s important to choose a therapist who fits you and who you feel comfortable with.

What makes a good therapist?

There are many traits that make a good and effective therapist, some of them completely subjective. A good therapist for one person may not be a good therapist for another; it’s not a one-size-fits-all industry.

However, research has shown us that there are a few traits that therapists can have that communicate effectiveness in therapy:

Adaptable: Studies have shown that a therapist who is attuned to a client’s changing thoughts, feelings, and perspective from session to session is more likely to provide effective therapy. People change, especially during therapy, and the therapist should be able to keep up easily with these changes.