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Originally Posted by CastlesInTheAir
What factors do you take into account when choosing a therapist? What is most important to you? What are red flags that a therapist isn't for you? Is there a big difference between a pastoral T and a non pastoral T?
Just got my insurance card in the mail, think I have it narrowed down to 3. Any extra advice? Also is it silly to nix the ones that have the least amount of information about them on internet (like not having a website)?....and should I give one a chance that's only been in practice for 4 years?
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Originally Posted by Miswimmy1
The best t I ever had has no website... So I wouldn't be too quick to judge.
I think there are pros and cons to a t who has been practicing for only 4 years. Pro- she/he is just out of school and is all up to date with the most recent research and techniques. I worry tho that maybe they won't have enough experience with personal interaction. They may have the knowledge but lack in the face to face ease that some therapists have.
As for myself, I look for someone who has a sense of humor, is intuitive, can empathize and knows when to talk and when not to.
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I just want to caution you on seeing a T with less than 5 years experience. I saw someone who I thought was great, even though it ended badly, but after working through that relationship with a new T, I saw how ill equipped that therapist was in being able to help me. I never really thought that his lack of experience was a problem until I got out of the relationship. Then I saw how it had actually set me back instead of putting me ahead.
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Originally Posted by refika
The best thing to do is call all three therapists and talk to them on the phone. See how the conversation goes, do you feel a positive feeling that you can work with them about your issues? Are they willing to work with you or do they see you as just another client?
Then meet them, meet all three of them one at a time, so you can compare them to each other and get to know differences and similarities between them. This way, you can pick the one you feel you can work with the best.
I also would suggest not dismissing a T just by the initial phone call or the first visit.
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I agree with the above points as well.
One other thing is that I'd suggest you research different approaches and try to see which one you think would work best for you. Do you want strategies to deal with life or do you want to talk-out your experiences with someone to gain understanding so that you can make better decisions in the future? There are a wide range of approaches.