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Therapeutic Fit – What It Is, And Why It’s Important
Written By: Erika DeSchiffart, Psychotherapist with Capital Choice Counselling Group
If you have been searching, or have searched for a therapist, you may have come across the term: “Therapeutic Fit”. It will usually come in the form of statements such as “finding a good therapeutic fit” or “having a good therapeutic fit”.
What Is A Therapeutic Fit?
A key place we need to start when understanding what therapeutic fit means is to know exactly what therapy is. Therapy involves evidence-based treatments for various mental health and wellbeing issues, as psychologist Dr. Ann Becker Schutte writes in her blog, “at its heart, therapy is a relationship”. That’s because therapy involves two people, working together towards common goals. We’ve all had group experiences where working with a partner has been less than ideal, not necessarily because of a lack of skill in our partner, but because of the relational dynamics between contrasting personalities.
The same concept applies in therapy. Beyond ensuring that your therapist has the necessary qualifications, skills, and expertise, the relationship with your therapist has to feel comfortable. There are a variety of factors that help create a comfortable connection with someone, and its different for everyone – not every conveniently located therapist is necessarily going to be the right fit. Sometimes it takes several meetings or phone calls with different therapists to understand what it is you are looking for and to find the right therapeutic fit.
What Makes A Good Therapeutic Fit?
When you have a good therapeutic fit, you’ll know. As Dr. Schutte states, therapeutic fit is “hard to describe, but easy to recognize”. We are all unique and have different needs, but whether it is subconsciously or consciously, there are some important aspects that we consider when assessing a therapeutic fit:
Comfort – Does the counsellor create an environment that makes you feel comfortable and safe to express your thoughts and emotions? Do they understand and empathize with your circumstances?
Experience – What kind of experience does your counsellor have in helping treat the issues that you are specifically dealing with?
Personality – Outside of a therapeutic setting, do you have similar personalities – your likes, dislikes, emotional capacity, sense of humour etc.
Therapy Style & Methods – Do you like constant feedback and questions? Do you like silence and opportunities to come to your own realizations? Would you prefer structured sessions or just going with the flow?
Keep in mind, no relationship is perfect. This means even in a good working relationship there is miscommunication and the possibility of hurt feelings. Before searching out a new therapist, this can be a great time to practice repair and reconciliation; something that may be missing in your life outside of therapy. Your therapist should respond well to your concerns, with an open and non-defensive stance. A therapist skilled in therapeutic fit will do this, transforming what could have been a relationship-ending incident into further growth of your therapeutic relationship.
What Can YOU Do To Make Therapy More Effective?
Outside of what your therapist can do to make you comfortable, there are things that you are able to do as well to contribute to your relationship, connection, and the effectiveness of your therapy:
– Therapy is a partnership where both you and your counsellor are working towards your success. You have to do your part as well. Do your homework, ask questions, and express your needs.
– Be as open and as honest as you can. Trust the process and be willing to be uncomfortable.
– Know what your goal is and make sure you are moving in the right direction. Rather than always thinking big picture, set daily goals as well.
– Therapy extends outside of your counselling sessions. To get the most out of it, think of therapy as 24/7.
Why Choose Capital Choice Counselling?
Many outcome studies state that therapeutic fit is the key factor to success in therapy. That’s why at Capital Choice Counselling our main aim is to help you find therapeutic fit. We’re a small enough team that our office personnel know each therapist personally, meaning they know the nuances beyond expertise and education. We’re also a big enough team to provide a variety of expertise, with a variety of personality and therapeutic styles to meet client’s needs. After speaking with you, we can suggest a couple therapists to you, and then you can follow up with phone consultations with each to confirm fit. Or, we can match you with the therapist that meets your needs for expertise, experience, location, as well as therapy style. You can reach Capital Choice at 613-425-4012 to begin the process of finding the right counsellor for you.