Guidelines for Finding a Therapist
The need for a therapist usually arises in a crisis situation, at a time when you are vulnerable. Finding a competent therapist who can best meet your needs and your personality requires decision making on your part. The following guidelines are intended to help you during this strenuous time to select the best therapist for you and to minimize the risk to your ongoing mental health and well being.
- Think about what you want and need. You need to ask yourself what kind of person you are looking for and what your goals are in entering therapy. Would you rather have a male or female therapist? Do you have a particular age in mind for the therapist? Perhaps a trusted friend, professional or co- worker could recommend a therapist. Personal or professional experience with the therapist would be beneficial.
- Consider the therapist's training. There are several types of therapists, including clinical social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counselors, psychiatric nurses, counselors, and psychiatrists all trained to provide therapy. Psychiatrists are the only professionals licensed to prescribe medication. You can ask the non medical therapist you select if they have provisions for gaining medication consultations if needed. Regardless of your decision, determine whether the therapist is licensed by the state or any other certifying body to practice psychotherapy in his or her particular discipline. The profession of psychotherapy is not strictly regulated and anyone can call himself or herself a "therapist or counselor." It makes sense to choose a therapist with specific training and knowledge in the particular problem that confronts you.
- Consider the therapist's informal qualifications. The right chemistry between therapist and patient is extremely important. A therapist should be someone with whom you are able to discuss the most intimate details of your life. However, you should not anticipate such a comfort level during your first session with the therapist. Trust takes time and cannot be accomplished in a single session. Nonetheless, you need to come away from the session feeling as if the therapist is someone you are going to be able to talk openly and candidly with about your problems.
- Interview a couple of therapists to get their recommendations about what they think would be best for you and your specific problem. This will provide you with important information from which you can base your decision making. Is he or she willing to answer your questions? Another important issue to discuss with the therapist in the initial interview is the fee involved in treatment and how payment will be handled. You may want to know if the therapist can offer any kind of time frame for your treatment.
- Above all do not be intimidated by titles or credentials. Pay attention to how you are feeling with the therapist. Make sure you are satisfied with the answers you receive from the therapist pertaining to training and credentialing issues. If you are not comfortable, do not hesitate to seek another opinion. Studies indicate that the greater stress an individual is under the more likely he or she is to settle for the first therapist found. Listen to the therapist's answers to your questions. Do they communicate respect, empathy, and warmth towards you and the problem that brings you to them? Does the therapist's style of interacting and relating to you resonate with you and your personality style? In other words, are you a good match for each other?
Choosing a therapist may be one of the most important decisions you are likely to make. This decision needs your serious thought and consideration. The combination of referral from trusted friends or other members of your health care team, the therapist's appropriate training for your particular problem, and the feel of the interpersonal fit will go a long way toward helping you make this decision effectively.
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