What are the Characteristics of an Ideal Mental Health Therapist

Being a Mental Health Therapist there are certain characteristics that must be portrayed; especially if the therapist want to be effective in their job. This allows you to work with a diverse group of people from different background and culture. It is important that the therapist learn how to interact with each patient to the best of their ability. Getting to know your patient is the best thing that you can do for you and your patient. This will allow them to open up to you more, build a relationship and develop a connection that can lead to learning about their problems. At Betterhelp there is numerous mental health therapist from different areas that can help with individual needs. If you consider yourself of having these 5 traits then you are well on your way to becoming an ideal Mental Health Therapist:

Trustworthy

Your patient must not be afraid to trust you. They just want to share details with you without the feeling of negativity and discomfort. By building a relationship with your patient it shows that you care for them and not just yourself. Let your patient feel accepted as how they are and that you are there to help. Do not be afraid to ask questions where necessary. The patient will instantly know that you are interested in hearing what they have to say and you are not there only for your needs.

Listen

Always keep a keen ear to your client’s problem. Evaluate your patient’s thoughts and make sure they didn’t leave out any information. It is also important to take notes as you go and let your clients know that you are not judging them. This will allow them to be more open and honest with you.

Support

Sometimes we need a support system. Anyone that will keep an open ear for us just to release our emotions and get rid of our fears. As a mental health therapist, you will come across different patients with various problems. Become the advocate and work with your patient as a team which will bring out a positive outcome and a more interesting therapy session.

Be able to Understand

It can be highly offensive when you are talking to someone but they lack understanding. Be patient with your clients and help them to carry across their message clearly and effectively. A client with mental health issues would like to know why they are in the state that they are in. Help your client by being able to explain to them what the problem is and the best solution to fix it. Help them to better understand treatment options and process that it takes before recovery.

Don’t be afraid to smile

Avoid keeping a straight face during your therapy session. Laugh even if you have to. If you have a good sense of humor then you will know what to find funny. By smiling, this can bring comfort to your patient and allow them to be more relaxed and open with you.

Avoid being rude and uncompassionate to your clients. They are there to seek your help and not to be bashed or made fun of. Follow these traits to become the ideal mental health therapist. This will help you to have more therapy sessions with your clients.

What are some characteristics do you portray as a mental health therapist?