29 Apr
Posted by: admin in: Depression, Online Counseling, Therapists/Counselors
By KC Kelly, Ph.D., LMHC
Finding a good therapist can be difficult. Of course finding someone credentialed and licensed, experienced and competent is imperative; however, the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is also vital. A deeply personalized relationship characterized by mutual trust and respect is essential for lasting therapeutic change to take place. The therapist should understand the very specific needs of the client. At the same time, the client should be responsible for choosing a therapist whom they feel can meet those needs.
Philosophies from some of the greatest moguls who have practiced Person-Centered, Adlerian, Gestalt, Existential, and Cognitive Behavioral therapies (just to name a few), adhere to the fact that the right therapist/client match will ultimately set the platform for successful therapy.
When it comes to face-to-face OR online therapy, I suggest the same technique for finding a great match for you. Use either the phone or the Internet for the initial contact to find out what the therapist is all about. You should have a mini “interview” to see if your personalities match, if the therapist specializes in your area of concern, and if the vibe feels comfortable. I understand that therapists are busy, but so are you, and if he or she is not willing to give you the time needed to determine compatibility, then that should tell you something. Trust your gut instinct. If you’re not feeling comfortable, move on and contact another therapist. The therapist should be asking questions of you also, to see if they are the best one for you as well.
Here, at http://DOCintheBiz.com, I have website dedicated to explaining who I am, self help links with general information on emotional/mental health issues, what online therapy is all about, including the pros and cons of it, and a way to determine if it is for you. I also provide this blog for general learning purposes and so that perspective clientele can get a feel for who I am and whether or not we may be a nice fit for a therapeutic relationship. An inexpensive first consultation e-mail is offered to confirm that there is a fit, and we go from there.
It’s about finding a good match. Your emotional/mental health is extremely important. Take your time in finding someone with whom you feel is right for you! You’re worth it!
Please visit us at http://DOCintheBiz.com for our mental health self help links and the opportunity to email Dr. KC for professional and confidential help with any concerns you may have!
This article is copyrighted by docinthebiz.com and may be respectfully re-distributed for non-commercial educational purposes granted that website link and author credit remain intact.
3 Responses
LeslieMannitte
02|May|2008 1Difficult??? Wow, that is sure true. I have been to several therapists.
Some stare at me and sit there in silence. What the heck? And I paid for that? I know what my problems are and I want help solving them or help making my life better. I don’t want someone to figure out how my life in the crib was 39 years ago.
I am going to give your on line therapy a try.
Worth a try I sure hope.
Dr. KC
05|May|2008 2Dear Leslie,
It is indeed very difficult to find a therapist with whom you “match” well. My suggestion is keep interviewing as many therapists on the phone or online as you can until you feel comfortable enough to actually pay to correspond with one. Make sure that you are interviewing him/her as much as he/she may be interviewing you. Your emotional/mental health is extremely important and should not be taken lightly. Therefore, it is very important to never settle for a therapist with whom you are not comfortable.
In addition, once you are in counseling, a therapist will want to know about your past and how you were raised. One’s upbringing as a child often has a direct correlation with how he/she has learned to cope and handle certain situations as adults.
By discussing what we have learned from our caregivers as we have grown up over the years, we often figure out why we act in the ways we do in situations of uncertainty, anxiety, and/or controversy. The good news is that once we realize from where our behaviors have stemmed, we can “unlearn” bad habits or ways we react to situations and learn new ways to respond to contention. Hence, we learn how to better resolve conflicts in our lives.
Please feel free to write in to http://www.DOCintheBiz.com anytime for personalized help with any issues you may be having.
Thank so you much for you comment and please keep reading.
Dr. KC
http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
What is the Best Way for a Therapist to Help a Client in Need? | DOCintheBiz
22|May|2008 3[...] How to Find a Good Therapist [...]
Leave a reply