The 5 Qualities That Tell You a Therapist Is Effective

The evidence shows that the primary determinants of effectiveness in psychotherapy are the human and relational elements.

In other words, a good, effective psychotherapist is not a "junior physician" wielding medical-like techniques. Instead, an effective therapist is a warm, caring, empathic, and knowledgeable person who knows how to interact with a client in a way that is healing

1. A good therapist attended an excellent university. Training is important, but it doesn't guarantee that a therapist is effective.
2. A good therapist has a doctoral degree. Many therapists have a master's degree and yet they are highly effective.
3. A good therapist has written numerous books. Just because someone is a prolific writer doesn't mean that she's an effective therapist.
4.  A good therapist uses only scientifically validated techniques. Research shows that techniques have little to do with effective therapy.