"how to choose a psychologist" is very popular – as people asked questions on forums and search engines, and articles. And no matter how many options – the answers every psychologist on this question, in my opinion, never superfluous. Because they quite clearly reveals the personal beliefs, accents, ethical principles and individual characteristics of the specialist's work. And according to these answers, and the enumerated items you can not only get directions to search, but also to meet this particular psychologist and to decide whether his views to You personally.
Want to share your views about the selection criteria of the psychologist.
1. Psychological education
My firm belief that a professional psychologist must be a higher education.
Yes, it is of variable quality and does not guarantee professionalism. Yes, you need a lot more. But if not, one practices on the basis of the passage only of courses or trainings, even if he is smart and talented - he's already made a choice in favor of shortened paths and the transaction with conscience. And, then, all this, at least, may be present in the work.
the human Psyche is extremely complex and diverse. No universal "two prilepov, three pritupov" so they can quickly learn and work with all a blueprint – does not exist.
from personal experience – higher education gave me really a lot. And familiarity with various disciplines, the fields of psychology, theories of personality, the views of prominent domestic and foreign figures. And systematic approach to work. And the choice of where to go. And deep respect for professional ethics. And the first practice. And a wonderful, like-minded colleagues and mentors.
It wasn't perfect and extraordinary, but it was really needed.
2. Additional professional education
Additional courses, educational programs, trainings – all it broadens the mind of the expert, deepens knowledge of particularly interesting topics and directions, builds up the instrumentation skills.
And, most importantly, it suggests that the technician is really interested in his profession, he wants to develop it, to improve their skills and ready to invest – time and money.
fortunately, nowadays there is no difficulty to see the availability and content of diplomas and certificates. Even if they never posted, or You are unable to find them freely available – you can always ask a specialist to provide them. And this is not some "uncomfortable" question, but a completely normal and necessary.
3. The cost of the work
the Value must be real "lift" and adequate for You. And the numbers here are different. In terms of personal perception of "adequacy", and depending on city, experience and conditions of work of the expert.
the Price is below the average for the city most often happens with beginners psychologists, which is not a big drawback, since an adequate assessment of their experience, diligence and responsibility they have, often more than some experienced and overextending themselves. If the experience claimed, and the price is low – probably not too much expert in their skills invested and/or not confident in themselves and their abilities.
Significantly higher cost is justified advice from professionals with extensive experience, diverse and deep education engaged in teaching and Supervisory support to more Junior colleagues whose services are in demand, and booked. In other cases, especially in combination with promises to solve all problems for one or two meetings – this is a very dubious history.
There are social services where you can get a free "social", or through training programs, admission options for a low price from experienced psychologists leading the practice with higher stakes. Typically, these techniques have a limitation on free sites and the number of meetings.
fortunately, nowadays the choice is great and you can always choose the option and on budget, and ambition.
4. Format
a Great choice now and in terms of method of interaction: in-person meetings, remote communication via video/audio, or in text format. Here, too, everything is very individual and you need to come to their own preferences, capabilities and facilities.
in Addition, there are many different areas of psychotherapy methods and techniques of work. But it is huge and vast.
In General – it can be fully conversational interaction options (in this large group – dark species), using physical exercises, or through a variety of creative processes. If You do not quite understand how it works, or what means they claimed the direction is always possible and necessary to ask about this.
5. Experience
it So happened that this item is not often you can check. Not all psychologists have no formal experience in the profession and in our country – it's a weird norm. Often, it is private practice, which is decorated, for example, an individual entrepreneur (or now, in some regions and not in the form of "self-employment"). And for psychological services in our country does not even have a proper code of economic activities.
Someone points out the number of years of professional experience, some do not. If this parameter is not specified – it is possible to start from data in the diploma, given the fact that working psychologist by profession could begin on the latest of the Institute's courses (and could not start a few years). And of course you can ask. Here is, first of all, a question of trust – does it You are a specialist or not.
6. The presence of supervisions and personal therapy
For me both of these points are equally important and binding.
Supervision is the practice of seeking advice concerning their work to experienced colleagues and mentors. Moreover, such an opinion does not cease to be needed during all years of work in the profession.
Personal therapy is clear: psychologists also go to psychologists. And not just because we, too, are personal problems, but also because it is important to be conscious, to understand themselves, their motives, strengths and weaknesses and be able to separate their "cockroaches", from material of the customer. And, of course, before you advise someone, it is very useful to go on the other side of the process and experience it for yourself.
In some ways personal therapy and supervision in a certain number of hours are required to receive the final certificate and documented.
this has significant advantages: the psychologist really took them and thoroughly invested myself in.
But there are downsides – most often a list of specialists which can be read quite limited, and the rates are very high. And this can cause internal resistance – after all, personal therapy does not tolerate coercion and limiting freedom of choice. In addition, not all can afford it financially. You can only be happy for those who have this plan coincided and personal preferences, and capabilities.
Therefore, documentary evidence of these items not always have specialists there. But many, anyway, note this information in your profile, or report it if necessary. And, of course, you can always ask.
7. As the psychologist presents itself
There is a view that he posts and writes on his website, a personal page in social networks, the questionnaire at the professional portals, in their articles publicly communicate with friends, colleagues, or potential clients. His views and values.
And most importantly, how You can relate to and respect.
This way is not always possible to estimate, but if possible – can be useful. Only much here to dig into his personal life and to continue to follow her, being in therapy – it is superfluous.
8. Your personal feelings.
the item I listed last, but it is not the last in importance, and one of the most important (but not abolishing all the rest).
Look at the picture (if you have it on video) and listen to your feelings - whether You want this person to communicate and share something personal, You think he'll a nice lend credibility?
the strategy of choice was voiced to me by many customers, and someone confidently and not hesitate to how important it is, and someone sheepishly, as if to cast doubt that such a deeply personal and emotional matter as the appeal to the psychologist may not be a significant personal feelings. But it is very important to hear yourself and trust your feelings.
and of course most importantly – Your feelings on meeting and communication. Sometimes they can change even if you had the opportunity to preview photos or videos, or expert is highly recommended and the mood was positive – and was found and all is lost. In this case, never need to force yourself.
of Course, when we first met, there are elements of unease, apprehension, anxiety. But the feeling of interaction should still be quite pleasant and engaging frankness.
it is Very important to choose such a specialist, You will be really comfortable to work that causes You trust and respect. And the only correct opinion in this matter is Yours.
!
