Finding a good match.
According to studies, the effectiveness of psychotherapy depends more on the quality of interpersonal rapport between a therapist and client than a therapist’s techniques, education or approach. It is believed that the relationship between a therapist and client is the most significant predictor of therapeutic success. Since it may take a couple of sessions before you begin to feel comfortable with the process of therapy or a clinician that is new to you, we encourage you to consider attending a few sessions with a prospective therapist before deciding whether they are a “right fit” for you.
Before the conclusion of your first session, your therapist will ask you if you wish to return for another session, or would like to proceed on a more open-ended basis to work together. It is important to share your feelings as openly as possible.
If you do not feel a particular therapist is a “good match” they will help you in finding another therapist, or refer you to our Intake Coordinator, who will assist in identifying another clinician for you.
We recommend the book The Gift of Therapy by Irvin D. Yalom, M.D. as a resource to enrich your experience of therapy, to support your knowledge in co-creating the therapeutic relationship and to deepen your understanding of the process. The book reads as 85 short chapters that can be easily referenced at any time. This can be a great starting point whether you are new to psychotherapy or a long-time participant.