Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client predicts the success of therapy more than the method chosen. So the choice matters — and it’s fine to take it seriously.
First of all — certification
In Israel “psychologist” is a title protected by law, and you can check that the professional is listed in the Ministry of Health’s Register of Psychologists. Clinical social workers and creative arts therapists also work under professional regulation. It’s worth asking explicitly about their training, their specialisation, and whether they have experience with your specific difficulty.
Questions you’re entitled to ask
An introductory session is also an opportunity for you to form an impression. These are entirely legitimate questions:
- What is your training and specialisation?
- Do you have experience with difficulties like mine?
- Which approach do you work with, and why does it suit me?
- Roughly how long is the process expected to take?
- What is the fee, and what happens if I cancel a session?
- How will we know if therapy is progressing?
What to notice in the session
Ask yourself after the session: Did I feel listened to? Did I feel judged? Was the explanation I received clear? Do I feel I could tell this person difficult things?
Feeling uncomfortable in a first session is natural — you’re meeting a stranger. But an ongoing sense of insecurity or of not being listened to is important information.
Warning signs
- Promises of a quick or guaranteed cure
- Pressure to commit in advance to a large number of sessions
- Unwillingness to explain the approach or the fee
- Blurring of professional boundaries
- Attempts to change sexual orientation — a practice considered harmful and not professionally accepted
- No registration or recognised certification
And what if it isn’t right?
You’re allowed to switch. It is neither an offence nor a failure, and professionals understand this well. You can say so openly, and sometimes even ask for a referral to another therapist better suited to your needs.
Sometimes it takes two or three sessions to form an impression. That’s a reasonable amount of time to check.