Finding the Right Psychologist for You

You’re grieving the death of a loved one. You just broke up with your boyfriend before you moved away to college. You’re having a hard time adjusting to new parenthood. All of the above are excellent reasons why you might seek out a qualified psychologist Kent County RI. Below are three traits to look for in psychologists, whatever the goal for the counseling:

They Are Licensed

Though psychologists are not medical doctors like psychiatrists, they go through years of rigorous training, including four years of undergraduate coursework and four to six more years of a PhD or PsyD. Therapists who have a master’s degree are qualified to provide counseling as well, but true clinical psychologists have a doctoral degree from an accredited university or college.

They Are Professional

When you think of a professional psychologist, you might imagine a stern doctor who jots down notes as you speak, or you might think of a warmer personality with a cozy, home-like office where you simply go to chat. These are both types of clinicians you might visit, but while your psychologist may feel like a close friend, keep in mind that you are paying for a service. Therapists should respect personal boundaries and keep friendship off the table.

They Are a Good Listener

This criterion should be obvious, but psychologists and other mental health professionals are human, after all. You’re building a relationship with this person (albeit a professional one) and you should feel a rapport from the first appointment that leads to mutual trust and understanding.

At the end of the day, you’re looking for someone who is able to help you. As long as the individual is licensed and maintains professional boundaries, and you feel heard when you speak, you’re on the right track to finding a great psychologist.