Sergio Gómez, therapist: “The key to successful therapy lies in the relationship you build with your psychologist”
The psychologist debunks myths about how to choose the right professional and reveals the secret behind effective therapy.
It is completely normal to think about going to a psychologist and feel lost among so many options. Psychologist Sergio Gómez shares practical advice for people who want to take the step of starting therapy but are not sure how to do it.
According to the specialist, “There is no single correct way to choose a psychologist,” and the idea of looking for success statistics or very specific credentials is a myth. “The key to successful therapy is the relationship you build with your psychologist.”
The relationship is what makes the difference
Unlike a lawyer or a medical doctor, where successful outcomes can often be measured objectively, in therapy what matters most is the “therapeutic alliance.” Gómez explains that the bond of trust and collaboration between patient and professional is “the most important factor in successful therapy.” He summarizes the concept of the therapeutic alliance in simple terms: “It is the connection you establish with your psychologist.”
To find the right person for you, Gómez recommends something very simple: “The easiest way to look for a psychologist is through a Google search.” Top sites to use in the United States include APA Psychologist Locator, Headway, Psychology Today, and Mental Health Match.
He also warns that people do not always find the right psychologist in the first session: “I encourage you to try therapy and not get discouraged if the first experience does not go well. It may simply mean you have not found the right person yet.”
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