Therapist training: necessary personal requirements

For training in the therapeutic field, it is not only educational or professional requirements that are important, but above all personal qualities. These play a major role in determining whether someone is suitable for this profession.

Important personal requirements:

• Empathy & sensitivity:
  You should be able to put yourself in other people's shoes.
• Communication skills:
  Listening, speaking clearly and reacting sensitively are key.
• Emotional stability:
  You also need to be able to deal with stressful stories and difficult situations.
• Patience:
  Changes in clients take time.
• Ability to reflect:
  Being able to critically question your own thoughts, feelings and reactions.
• Sense of responsibility:
  You work with sensitive personal issues.
• Demarcation capability:
  Allow closeness, but remain professionally distant.
• Interest in people & development:
  Motivation to help others and support development processes.

Important in addition:
Many training courses in the therapeutic field also require this:

• Willingness for self-awareness
• Openness to personal development
• Basic knowledge of psychology or communication (depending on training)

Conclusion:
Above all, social skills, emotional stability and a high level of self-reflection are crucial for training as a therapist. Anyone who enjoys working with people and wants to accompany them professionally has a good foundation.