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What do you consider to be the most important traits for a therapist to have?
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Raffinée Wilson, M.S., LPC
Providing mental health counseling to adults and teens struggling with anxiety, depression, esteem concerns, and communication issues.
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Raffinée’s Answer
Hi Kailey,
I'm speaking from the perspective of a mental health therapist. One of the most important traits I believe is needed is authenticity. Clients engage in therapy and are looking for a safe space. It's so important that a therapist is genuine, honest, and real in their presentation to the clients. It's usually one of the things that leads to clients staying or leaving. Outside of that, I would say being competent and trustworthy. Sad to say, there are some incompetent professionals out there. The incompetence may not be across the board, it may be with certain areas and that is to be expected. In knowing your limitations, you will be able to refer out when necessary. Also, there's a lot you learn in school and even more on-the-job training that happens when you begin meeting clients.
I'm speaking from the perspective of a mental health therapist. One of the most important traits I believe is needed is authenticity. Clients engage in therapy and are looking for a safe space. It's so important that a therapist is genuine, honest, and real in their presentation to the clients. It's usually one of the things that leads to clients staying or leaving. Outside of that, I would say being competent and trustworthy. Sad to say, there are some incompetent professionals out there. The incompetence may not be across the board, it may be with certain areas and that is to be expected. In knowing your limitations, you will be able to refer out when necessary. Also, there's a lot you learn in school and even more on-the-job training that happens when you begin meeting clients.
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Jennifer’s Answer
I believe patience is an important factor. In some situations, clients take a long while to trust their therapist with private, difficult history. Different clients work at different speeds in working on their life and their goals. Another important factor is lack of judgment. As counselors, we learn about many different lifestyles and ways of living that can be very different than our own. But that is just the spice of life and it can be interesting and fascinating to help live the life they want to live.