Therapist Red & Green Flags
Myra McNair
Making the decision to go to therapy is a big step. While it can be the tipping point to getting your mental health back on track, be aware that it might take some time to find the right matchup with a therapist. Therapists are people, too, with different personalities. Not everyone can establish a good rapport.
There are also some very telltale signs that indicate whether a therapist is acting in your best interest or may be in the wrong profession. Here are some green flags and red flags to watch out for as you discover the best therapist and techniques for you.
Therapist Green Flags
Green flags are the good things to watch for – the “hell yeah” indicators that signal all systems go.
Look for these signs as you get to know a new therapist::
They listen to you about what you want out of therapy.
They work as a guide to help you through self-discovery and healing, working collaboratively with you to set and achieve goals.
They keep you accountable to the changes you’ve expressed that you want to make.
They show cultural humility.
They are culturally sensitive to your identity.
They validate your feelings.
They establish clear boundaries and strictly adhere to confidentiality regulations.
They ask for feedback from you, to make sure you’re getting what you need.
They respect your time, starting and ending sessions as scheduled.
Therapist Red Flags
Unfortunately, red flags can pop up during your therapy sessions that indicate this relationship is not a good fit.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s time to look for a new therapist:
They don’t listen to you and/or they interrupt you.
They have their own goals and expectations for your treatment and aren’t open to hearing yours.
They display unethical behaviors, sketchy boundaries, or disregard confidentiality protocols.
They want to be your friend.
They disregard your values or your questions.
They judge or shame you.
They lack understanding about your identity.
They spend more time talking about themselves than listening to you.
They make experimental recommendations or lack appropriate credentials and a specialty.
The therapist doesn’t have an emergency protocol or contingency on their voicemail.
They are condescending, telling you what to do rather than having you form your own conclusions.
They isolate you from outside support.
They leave you feeling worse, unsupported, and without action items to improve.
Finding a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with can take time. Don’t give up if the first therapist you try doesn’t work out. Keep looking for the right fit. It will be worth it!
At Anesis Therapy, we believe everyone deserves to be seen and honored fully–not only as dynamic and nuanced individuals, but also as people who are shaped by, and are shaping, their communities, cultures, faiths and families. We meet our clients where they are, and together chart a course for healing that is supportive, accessible, creative and joyous!
Get to know our team and connect with us. We’re here to answer your questions and start your therapy journey with you.