How to choose the right psychologist

Authorisation is not the same as being a psychologist

The title psychologist (psykolog) is protected and requires a master's degree. The title authorised psychologist (autoriseret psykolog) additionally requires two years of supervised practice and is granted by Psykolognævnet (the Danish Psychology Board) under Ankestyrelsen (the National Social Appeals Board).

This is not a formality. Authorisation is a prerequisite for reimbursement from Sygeforsikringen «danmark» (a Danish member-owned health insurance scheme), and it means the psychologist is subject to oversight.

Note also that psychotherapist (psykoterapeut) is not a protected title in Denmark. Anyone may call themselves one.

Questions worth asking

• "What do you have experience with?" — not what they offer, but what they have actually done a lot of. There is a difference.
• "How do you work?" — a good answer is concrete. A vague answer about "meeting the person where they are" says nothing about method.
• "How long do you think it will take?" — nobody can answer precisely, but they should be willing to venture an estimate and explain why.
• "What do we do if it isn't working?" — the best answer is that you talk about it and, if need be, they refer you on.

Questions that matter less than people think

Which form of therapy they use comes far down the list. The research consistently points to the relationship between client and therapist as a better predictor of outcome than the choice of method.

That does not mean method is irrelevant — with trauma and OCD in particular, it matters a great deal. But it does mean you can safely give weight to whether you feel comfortable with the person.

When to switch

Give it three or four sessions. It takes time to get going, and the first sessions often feel unsatisfying.

But consider switching if:

• You don't notice any movement after eight to ten sessions, and the two of you haven't talked about why
• You feel judged rather than understood
• You spend energy looking after the psychologist
• You notice that you are leaving things out — and that it isn't getting better

Ideally, say it out loud first. A good psychologist will not be offended by that conversation — and with some, that is exactly where the interesting part begins.