Therapists are mental health professionals who support clients through a range of challenges.Rather than solely sitting with the individual and having them talk until they feel better, therapists apply key concepts and insights to guide the client towards confronting current challenges and expanding capacity for emotional distress in the future.

Why is it effective to talk to a therapist?

Therapists are trained in human development, mental health disorders, behavior, communities, relationships, family dynamics and more. What this means is they are able to sit with an individual in their unique challenge and dissect the issue by its source, its impact, and its continued effect. This in turns allows them to support the client in navigating the challenge and gaining insight into how certain life events can affect us differently at different ages, how dynamics can impact our behavior, where mental health challenges stem from and how they improve, and ultimately process the root cause of these challenges while also partnering to implement appropriate tools to improve mental health. 

A therapist is like a personalized encyclopedia that includes a mirror at every page.

You not only learn the details of certain phenomena, but you also learn about how it relates to you specifically. Rather than an expert telling you what to do, you have someone by your side to piece crucial pieces together and help you gain skills that will support you now and in future conflicts. 

While therapists all have this same core to their work, there are different professions who share the “therapist” title including clinical psychologists, clinical counselors, clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and more. Each of these professionals will go through appropriate education, training, testing, and supervision to ensure they are able to support individuals in a therapeutic way.

What makes a clinical social worker a unique therapist?

The Relationship Is Viewed As A Partnership 

A clinical social worker will help you to empower yourself by respecting your own process and readiness. While helping you strengthen your personal relationships, the therapist-client relationship in therapy is designed to serve as a part of your healing, too. 

A Social Justice Lens Is Continually Applied

Social workers pursue social change efforts by promoting the connection to the needs of all, especially those who have limited access. In therapy, there is an additional layer that ensures you will have access to the information, services, and resources you need. Not only supports you but also helps you navigate the system.

View Challenges And Solutions On Multiple Levels 

There are systems that play a role in our lives on different levels – personal, family, community, and society. With knowledge of the interplay of these systems, we have the ability to examine issues and explore solutions from multiple angles.

Respecting What Makes You – You 

Every individual has a unique combination of their upbringing, experiences, and cultural and ethnic diversity that makes them who they are. Social workers hold ethical standards to respect the dignity and worth of every individual, ensuring you will be supported and valued for exactly who you are.

Picking the right therapist for you is a personal decision. It’s important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and who you trust. The relationship between a therapist and a client is in itself a part of the healing process. Want to learn more about how to find a therapist that’s right for you? Check out the blog here.

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