The task of going out to find a counselor or Melbourne psychologist is not as straightforward as you would expect. There are really a lot of possible options to select from that you could easily get confused. You’d want to find someone who can really help you make a dent in your life issues. You might want to follow a couple of basic tips to get you the perfect professional help.
Check Academic Records
Your first real point of assessment should be academic credentials. A qualified counselor should at least have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in psychology with an area of focus on counseling. Aside from these basic requirements though, one other sign of an excellent professional is having completed a string of other training courses and programs. In other words, you should settle for a professional who is devoted to continuing improvement and education.
It’s also usually a good rule to find a therapist who is a member of organizations in his field of concentration. As a member of a legitimate group, you’ll know that a professional automatically has the core requirements and abilities to practice in his field and is recognized by his fellow practitioners.
Check Professional Experience
Every practicing counselling in Melbourne professional would have some basic experience in his field. Otherwise he wouldn’t be allowed to practice his profession. If you have very specific concerns though, it is well worth your while to look for someone who specializes in them. In general counselors can specialize in marriage, family, careers, phobias and more. Your practitioner should have a solid overall experience with handling specific concerns like yours.
It’s also important to go find a counselor who has some experience with multi-cultural counseling if you have a different cultural background. This is the only way you can ensure that a practitioner can understand the cultural context of your life issues and assist you in arriving at appropriate solutions. Needless to say, a culturally ignorant therapist might do more damage.
Assess Approaches and Techniques
There are many different ways to approach the process of counseling. Ask which approach a therapist is schooled in. One of the most recommended approaches for modern counseling is client centeredness. In this approach, counselors adopt the perspective that solutions to life issues should be tailored to the needs of individuals. Moreover, it stresses the capacity of clients themselves to find and implement their own solutions that they become more aware of during the counseling session. A counselor takes on the role of a guide.
You should also spend some time identifying methods and strategies used in counseling sessions. Depending on the adopted approach, a counselor chooses a specific set of preferred tools. It’s important to make sure that you are at ease with whatever it is that a practitioner chooses to apply. Determine the main methods first, read what they’re all about and if you don’t have any issues with them.
Truly, the ideal way to get a grip on your problems is to find a counselor who is best suited to your personality and preferences. Don’t just jump on the very first professional on your list. Remember that your life is at stake here so it’s only right that you get in touch with someone who’s really good.