What skills do therapists need?
Many of us will benefit from seeing a therapist at some point in our lives. Mental Health is a far less taboo subject than it used to be, and rightly so. Talking about our mental health struggles, no matter how minor they might seem, instantly paves the way to working our way through them and seeking support when needed. Opening up to a friend or family member is a great first step, but there are times when a trained, sensitive therapist is key to recovery.
Knowledge of Mental Health Issues
It’s no surprise, then, that therapists are more in demand than ever before. To be an effective therapist, it’s essential to have an excellent knowledge of a variety of mental health conditions. A range of organisations offer mental health training courses Plymouth such as those seen here www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/plymouth and other locations, including general courses such as Psychological First Aid Training right through to very niche training courses such as Eating Disorders Awareness Training and Hoarding Training. This is an ideal way for therapists to begin their career, or to upskill and enhance their existing knowledge.
A good therapist will also be open to continuing professional development, making sure their skills are up to date and furthering their knowledge. This is often a requirement of professional bodies such as the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy)
A Listening Ear
Aside from this, most therapists would agree that the ability to listen sensitively and encourage service users to open up is also an essential skill. And possibly one that is harder than it first seems, too – many of us are used to finding solutions when someone voices a problem, thinking we’re being helpful! But as many therapists would agree, it’s those open questions which really allow others to open up, to explore patterns of thought, and work through any mental health niggles. It can feel unusual to stay quiet when someone else is talking, voicing only the occasional encouraging ‘hmm-mm’ or ‘please go on’, but this allows clients the space to begin their journey towards positive mental health.