How to Choose the Right Online Therapist
Matching with a psychologist or counsellor who understands what you’re seeking to achieve through talk therapy and has a good fit with your personality can be instrumental in increasing the success of psychotherapy to achieve your mental health goals.
Common Care therapists are all fully vetted and credentialed to provide therapy. We work with qualified psychologists, counsellors, and coaches and provide mandatory training in best practices in talk therapy around online, technology-based therapy. Our online counsellors are 100% qualified to provide talk therapy both in-person and online.
What to Consider in a Therapist
The therapist and client relationship is based on the human connection between two people. Although our therapists are well qualified and trained to treat a diverse range of mental health issues and work with people from different backgrounds, there is no one therapist that naturally fits everyone - it boils down to connection and fit. Personality traits and characteristics can help to build an important connection as you begin to work together.
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Here are some things to consider in choosing your therapist:
Psychological or Treatment Approach - Common psychological approaches are Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Integrative. A therapist may be trained in a specific or several approaches and can give you an idea of the therapist’s training, style and personality. Some will tailor their approach based on their client’s needs, symptoms and personality.
Credentials and Qualification - Our therapists are all professional, qualified and trained for mental health diagnosis and treatment. To provide a wide range of therapists for selection, you may want to view their individual qualification and credential to find a suitable match.
Specialization and Experience - Therapists may choose to specialize and/or have more experience in treating different mental health issues. Check your therapist’s bio to see if it matches with your needs.
Personality and Background - Language, personality and cultural background are factors that can influence how well we are able to form trust and connect with our therapist.
Your Preferences - Our therapists are unique individuals, just like you. Consider whether you may feel more comfortable speaking to a therapist of the same gender, offer faith-based counselling, if they are an LGBTQ ally, as well as any other factors that are important to you.
How We Match You To a Therapist
When beginning your online therapy journey, you will be asked to complete an intake questionnaire regarding your needs, preferences and goals in therapy. The intake questionnaire is designed to understand your current state of mental health, problems you may be struggling with, your preferences in a therapist, as well as your expectations and what you seek to achieve through therapy.
After completion of the intake questionnaire, a professional, qualified intake counsellor will review your answers and recommend therapists that may be best suited to you based on your needs, preferences and goals in therapy.
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Our Psychologists, Counsellors and Coaches
At Common Care, we intentionally seek out and work with mental health professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds with the goal of being able to offer a suitable therapist for every client. For example, you may want to speak in your native language and prefer English, Cantonese or Mandarin speaking counsellor.
Our therapists are trained in different psychological or treatment approaches and specialise in different areas such as LGBTQ issues, relationship or couples counselling, work related stress, depression, anxiety, identity or cultural issues, and more.
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Switching to a New Therapist
Occasionally, after a few sessions, it may be apparent to you that there is a lack of fit between you and your therapist. If you have already communicated your concerns or you do not think you can continue working with your therapist, it’s okay and we encourage you to request for a change in therapist soon.
If you are having problems with your current therapist, please contact our Common Care Support immediately to arrange for a new therapist better suited to you. We prioritize your safety, security and privacy in handling any feedback and complaints. In consideration that you may not feel comfortable speaking about the matter to your therapist directly, please know that the conversation between you and the Common Care Support Team will be kept strictly confidential and your previous therapist will be on a need-to-know-basis regarding the situation.
Common Care provides a full-service online therapy platform with the largest selection of qualified online psychologists, counsellors, and coaches. After completing an initial intake assessment, we recommend suitable therapists based on your needs, preferences and goals in therapy. Begin online counselling anytime, anywhere at affordable prices.