I’m actually an enthusiastic newbie to therapy. Sites such as yours really provide a lot of helpful information for someone in my position.
Keep up the fine work!
- Vivian
The more aware you are of your unconscious mind, the more freedom you will have.
Choosing the Right Counselor
My first attempt at finding a therapist was so unsettling and embarrassing that ten years passed before I tried again.
Dr. Suzanne LaCombe
Finding a counselor can be a daunting task.
Most people looking for a professional, be it an accountant, lawyer or physician, depend upon the recommendation of someone they trust, such as a friend, family member, or colleague.
But what do you do if you're looking for a counselor and you don't know anyone who's been to therapy?
Or maybe, you don't want to share this part of your life with anyone right now, so asking your family or friends is simply out of the question.
Many professionals have signs and symbols endorsing their reputation and success. A lawyer for instance has a track record of cases won.
But the field of therapy doesn't have those guideposts. The work essentially happens behind closed doors. There are no ads proclaiming "this is a good therapist" or testimonials posted for the world to see, information that could help you decide if a particular therapist is the one for you.
When you really get how therapy can make your life better and you've made the decision to go, you'll want to give yourself the best chance possible. Take it from me, the right therapist means good therapy. Without a good connection, you'll find a hard time making the changes you desire.
I wish I knew then what I know now. Finding the right counselor can make all the difference!
Calling a Counselor*
Here are some questions you could ask:
- Are you accepting new clients?
- What are your fees?
- What are your hours?
- How much experience do you have helping people with my problem?
- What does a typical session look like?
- What special techniques do you use?
So how do you find the right counselor?
Finding a therapist needn't be complicated. Once you are aware of what to look for and what to avoid, the whole process becomes that much easier.
First: Not all therapists are alike!
Over the years I've spoken to many friends and acquaintances about what goes on in their therapy. At times I've been very puzzled at what they've described. You see, not all therapists base the treatment on a good therapeutic relationship. What this means to you is that without a solid relationship, deeper changes you are working on will be that much harder to attain.
Academic degrees on the wall won't guarantee that a particular individual can relate in a way that's best for you. You will be developing a unique relationship with your therapist; this will be the anchor for all your work.
In fact, I will go so far in saying that the success of your therapy will depend on establishing a good relationship with your therapist.
A good working relationship is essential for creating lasting change! (See 'Why Therapy Matters' for an indepth discussion of why this is so).
So you might ask...how are you supposed to know what a good connection feels like if you've never had this before?
I also realize that you may not know what this feels like especially if you have had few experiences with good psychotherapists. Indeed, how can you recognize a good connection if you've never had one in your life.
What do you look for? These qualities include attunement, empathy, and being able to really take in what you're saying. These are the essential characteristics for a good therapist.
Many of the pages in MyShrink contain useful information about therapists who demonstrate these qualities.
I encourage you to find these qualities in your next therapist.
Candid Conversations with a Therapist
Corrective Emotional Experiences
* From my association: BCPA.
Our Sponsor
How to Choose a Therapist eBook
For these very reasons, I was inspired to write a book on choosing a therapist. I hope to make it available this summer (admitedly delayed from my original date). Please read on to learn more.
Available Summer 2008.
How to Choose a Therapist eBook
by Dr. Suzanne LaCombe Ed. D., R. Psych.
Here's more on my upcoming ebook:
As I have mentioned elsewhere on this site, the field of psychotherapy is going through a transformation, a result of the phenomenal brain research in the last decade. The 'How to Choose a Therapist' eBook is grounded in this research.
I will identify the key things to look for in a therapist and the kinds of things you want to avoid. It promises to simplify the selection process and help you feel more confident about your choice.
Here's what you'll learn in this upcoming eBook:
- What you can expect to find in a good therapist.
- Why it's critical to find someone you can relate to.
- The biggest thing most clients overlook.
- The one thing your chosen therapist must have.
- How to tell if a therapist is competent.
- What you DON'T want to see in a therapist.
- The "male versus female" therapist - does it matter?
And most importantly...
- What a good connection with a therapist feels like.
Warmest Regards,
Suzanne LaCombe Ed.D., R.Psych.
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Well, what did your therapist say after that?
