By: Michelle Hintz, PsyD & Roddia Hill, PsyD
Finding a good ‘client-therapist fit’ is one key factor that can make a world of difference in your therapeutic journey and overall mental well-being! So what is that?
What is Client-Therapist Fit?
Client-therapist fit refers to the level of trust and rapport between you and your therapist. It is the glue that holds your therapeutic alliance together. This fit fosters a collaborative partnership where both you and your therapist work hand-in-hand towards your well-being. It’s essential to distinguish this from the typical discomfort of opening up to someone new. While sharing personal thoughts and feelings can initially feel awkward, client-therapist fit goes deeper, addressing fundamental compatibility issues. Research consistently shows that a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist is one of the most significant predictors of positive therapeutic results.
Why Does Fit Matter?
A good client-therapist fit enhances the effectiveness of therapy. When you feel understood, respected, and safe, you’re more likely to engage openly and honestly in the therapeutic process. Studies have shown that clients who have a strong fit with their therapist are more likely to experience significant improvements in their mental health.
On the flip side, a poor fit can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction, and may even cause clients to leave therapy prematurely. According to research, between 20% to 57% of clients drop out of therapy early, often because they don’t feel connected or understood by their therapist. This can perpetuate negative stigmas about therapy, leading people to believe that therapy doesn’t work, which in turn discourages others from seeking the help they need. Imagine feeling even more isolated and hopeless because the first step you took towards healing didn’t feel right—that’s the impact of a poor client-therapist fit.
Practical Tips for Finding the Right Therapist:
If you are seeking therapy for the first time, there’s a few key things to consider before you even sit down on the couch for your first session:
- Know Your Needs: Before starting your search, be clear about what you consider to be your primary areas of need. By clearly identifying what you want help with (whether it’s anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or something else), finding key search words makes it easier to find a list of potential therapists who specialize in those areas.
- Ask Questions: It is imperative to ask more than “does he/she take my insurance?” During your initial call to the therapist or their scheduling team, take time to ask about their experience, approach to therapy, and familiarity with your specific concerns. This can give you a sense of whether their style matches your needs.
- Consider Logistics: Make sure that practical things such as location, availability, fees, and insurance coverage align with your requirements to avoid unnecessary stress. Great therapists will have limited availability for new clients. If you feel it is a good fit, be prepared to adjust expectations for session times. Similarly, the ‘right’ therapist for you might not accept your insurance plan.
How to Know If Your Current Therapist Is a Good Fit
Research suggests that it typically takes about three sessions to assess whether there is potential for a good fit. Effective communication is a cornerstone of a strong therapeutic relationship. This doesn’t mean that your therapist always helps you feel better. Sometimes, the work is challenging and can leave your head spinning afterwards. But, recognizing that this is part of the process and feeling supported is essential.
So, pay attention to how the therapist communicates. If you feel understood, respected, and supported, you’re likely on the right track. Do they listen actively? Do they seem empathetic and understanding? How do they challenge you? Does it seem that they are leading you towards transformative self-understanding? Great!
But, are you feeling like you’re spinning your wheels by simply venting to a friend or getting advice from a relative? Not great! Too often, people stick with therapists they don’t feel connected with, not realizing they can switch to someone else. Think of finding the right therapist like dating—don’t be afraid to try someone new! Ask questions, express your needs, and do your research to find a therapist well-versed in your specific concerns.
Your instincts matter. If you feel a connection and comfort with a therapist, that’s a positive sign. Conversely, if something feels off, it probably is. If you’re not feeling it, it’s absolutely okay to move on and try someone else. Your mental health journey is too important to settle for anything less than a therapist who truly understands and supports you.
Consider Intersectionality
Another vital aspect to consider is the intersectionality of your identity. Factors like race, gender, sexuality, primary language preferences, and more can influence your therapy experience. It’s crucial to find a therapist who acknowledges and respects these aspects of your identity, ensuring you feel seen and understood in all facets of your being.
Moreover, it’s important to recognize that as you grow and evolve, your therapeutic needs may change. It’s possible to ‘out-grow’ your current therapist, especially as you uncover new areas for development that may fall outside your therapist’s expertise. For example, you might gain enough insight into your personal issues to realize you want to work on your marriage. In such cases, you might benefit from transitioning to a therapist who specializes in couples’ therapy. This doesn’t mean your current therapist was not effective; rather, it indicates your progress and evolving needs.
Finding the Right Therapist
As Dr. Hintz often says, “Finding a good therapist is a lot like finding a great pair of shoes!” What does she mean? When you’re shopping for shoes, you want something that fits well, feels comfortable, and supports you where you need it most. If the shoes are too tight or too loose, they can cause discomfort or even pain. Similarly, a therapist should be a good fit for your needs, providing the right support and comfort to help you walk through life’s challenges. And just like you might outgrow your favorite pair of shoes as your style or needs change, you might also find that your therapeutic needs evolve over time, leading you to seek a new therapist who can better support your current journey.
At The Cadenza Center, our therapists prioritize creating a supportive and understanding environment tailored to each client’s unique needs. It’s about more than just expertise—it’s about connection, empathy, mutual respect, and cultural humility. If it’s not a good fit or you’ve outgrown your current therapist, let’s discuss and consider how we can solve the issue.
Let’s continue to break the stigma around mental health and advocate for mental well-being together. Remember, finding the right therapist is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time to find the perfect fit. Your mental health is worth it!
