For many people, summer can be accompanied by anxiety, pressure, or emotional discomfort. What lies behind this phenomenon?

In an era when the demand for psychotherapeutic services has increased, finding the right therapist is crucial for the outcome of the therapy and the emotional safety of each client.

Let’s start from the beginning. A good psychotherapist must, first and foremost, be well-trained and committed to ongoing professional development. In Greece and Cyprus, only psychiatrists and psychologists are legally permitted to provide psychotherapy. This implies university studies, training in psychotherapy, and more. However, professionalism and training, while essential, are not the only factors that make someone a good therapist.

A good psychotherapist listens attentively and with genuine interest, without interrupting or judging, showing respect for the experiences, values, and boundaries of the client. Within the therapeutic relationship, confidentiality and the creation of a safe environment are essential so that the client feels free to speak openly. The therapist must encourage dialogue and collaboration, while also recognizing their own limitations. After all, no therapist is all-knowing, and when they realize that a client has different needs, it is crucial that they can refer them appropriately.

If a therapist displays behaviors contrary to the above, it is important to take them seriously. If they are inadequately trained, disregard confidentiality, impose their own views, or foster a dependent relationship that undermines the client’s autonomy, then changing therapist becomes necessary.

In conclusion, a good psychotherapist is not defined only by their credentials—it’s mainly a matter of ethics, relationship, and consistency. Just as we carefully choose whom we trust with our physical health, the same—or even more—should apply to our mental health.

If something doesn’t feel right or makes you uncomfortable, it’s absolutely valid to express it or seek another professional. Therapy is your right—and the right therapist, your ally on this journey.