Article By: Dr. Kyler Shumway

“I wish you were like my last therapist.”

I was in my second year of grad school, a baby therapist learning to crawl, when one of my clients dropped that statement on me mid-session. My mind began to spiral – am I not good enough? What am I doing wrong? What makes a great therapist? Why did I sign up for this when I could’ve been a carpenter or something? 

What I didn’t know then was that there are some essential ingredients when it comes to fit in therapy. Sometimes, it’s outside the therapist’s control —personality style, shared interests, and identities. But other times, it comes down to the therapist’s skills and approach. 

No wonder so many people struggle to find the right therapist. The search can feel a bit like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans—they need to fit just right. Most jeans are just fine, but everyone has that favorite pair, the one that isn’t just good but great. 

Of course, this article isn’t brought to you by Wrangler or Lee. Instead, we want to help you find that perfect therapeutic fit, the kind of clinician you’d miss. But how can you tell the difference between a good therapist and a great one? Start by looking for these green flags:

Empathy and Understanding: A good therapist will listen attentively, but a great therapist goes beyond that. They empathize deeply with your experiences, making you feel truly heard and understood. They create a safe space where you can be vulnerable without fear of judgment. Look for someone who not only hears your words but also senses the emotions behind them.

Tailored Approach: While a good therapist may have a solid understanding of various techniques, a great therapist customizes their approach to suit your unique needs. They recognize that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to therapy. Whether it’s cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, or narrative therapy, they adapt their methods to align with your personality and goals.

Growth Mindset: A good therapist helps you manage your symptoms, but a great therapist is invested in your long-term growth and empowerment. They challenge you to explore deeper layers of yourself, guiding you through transformative journeys. Instead of just putting out fires, they equip you with tools to navigate life’s challenges independently.

Collaborative Partnership: Therapy isn’t a one-way street. A great therapist sees you as a partner in your healing journey. They value your insights and involve you in the decision-making process. Together, you set goals and track progress, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.

Cultural Competence: In our diverse world, cultural sensitivity is crucial in therapy. A great therapist respects your cultural background, understanding how it shapes your worldview and experiences. They continuously educate themselves on cultural nuances to ensure that therapy is inclusive and affirming for all.

Boundaries and Ethics: A great therapist maintains clear boundaries while cultivating a warm and supportive therapeutic relationship. They adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring confidentiality and professionalism at all times. Trust is the foundation of therapy, and they prioritize transparency and honesty in their interactions.

Lifelong Learner: The field of mental health is ever-evolving, and a great therapist embraces lifelong learning. They stay updated on the latest research, attend workshops, and seek supervision to enhance their skills. Their commitment to personal and professional growth reflects their dedication to providing the best possible care for their clients.

So, how do you find this unicorn of therapists? Well, you’re in luck! Deep Eddy is home to a team of exceptional therapists who embody these qualities and more. Our practice is committed to providing compassionate, personalized care through a diverse team of professional clinicians. 

Here’s what makes our team different.

High Bar Hiring

At Deep Eddy Psychotherapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality of psychological services to our clients. We hire only the best therapists in Texas who can demonstrate emotional intelligence, authenticity, expertise with evidence-based practices, and a desire to continue to learn and grow.

Cutting-Edge Training

Deep Eddy Psychotherapy is committed to providing cutting-edge training for our therapists. We believe that continuous learning and professional development are essential for delivering high-quality and evidence-based mental health services to our clients. That’s why we offer a variety of training opportunities for our therapists – online courses, workshops, consultation groups, community resources, and more. We also train each clinician in depth-oriented techniques such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and provide in-house EMDR training for trauma treatment.

Community & Belonging

We believe that creating a sense of community and belonging for our staff is essential for providing quality care to our clients. That’s why we offer regular (and completely optional) opportunities for our staff to connect, learn, and grow together. We believe that by taking care of ourselves and each other, we can better serve our clients and make a positive difference in their lives.

Authentic, Genuine Care

We are a community of passionate professionals who share a common mission: to serve the people of Texas with the best mental health care possible. We care deeply about our clients and their well-being, and we go above and beyond to help them achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.

Community Engagement

We are not only committed to serving our clients, but also to serving our community at large. We participate in various local events, initiatives, and causes that promote mental health awareness, education, and advocacy. We also partner with other organizations, agencies, and professionals that share our vision and values. Community involvement helps us to make a positive impact and difference in the lives of others.

Why would a privately owned practice like Deep Eddy invest so much in our team? The answer is simple: our clients deserve great therapists.

Ready to embark on your journey towards healing and self-discovery? Take the first step today by scheduling a session with one of our amazing therapists.