[mcl6136]

All,

Here I go...launching into a search for a new T.

What are the non-analytical types of therapy known as?

I want a therapist who offers me feedback, allows me to have a back and forth,
Any suggestions? I'm trying to find a new T but don't know the schools of approach, as I guess I would call them.

I picture myself having more of a conversation than anything else, and I would like to cover issues of intimacy without having Dr. Freud hanging out behind me. Isn't there something called humanistic? That sounds like someone who wouldn't stand and shout!

Any clues or links that might help me?
MCL

[Perna]

If you want feedback, I would get a coach rather than a therapist. Yes, there is humanistic psychology http://www.ahpweb.org/index.html; you might try to find a therapist who has a philosophy degree, some do have them, they tend to be more into discussion:

http://www.modern-thinker.co.uk/1a%2...0and%20Psy.htm

[mcl6136]

Originally Posted by Perna

If you want feedback, I would get a coach rather than a therapist. Yes, there is humanistic psychology http://www.ahpweb.org/index.html; you might try to find a therapist who has a philosophy degree, some do have them, they tend to be more into discussion:

http://www.modern-thinker.co.uk/1a%2...0and%20Psy.htm

wow...I never thought of that...I have an amazing coach for fitness...he has changed my life. Maybe that is what I need, rather than an analyst. thanks for this input!!!

[stopdog]

The one I see has a focus on psychodynamic listed on her website and she talks a lot and gives feedback. Sometimes I have to tell her to just be quiet for a minute. I do not want advice, but I had "no sitting in silence without direction from the therapist" on my list of requirements and I asked on the phone and in the first appointment about that - so I think it may just take some more intense interviewing them rather than any certain type. The one I see is a social worker, not ph.d so that could make a difference. The three social workers (LCSWs) I have seen (one about 25 years ago) and the two recent ones were all talkers/feedbackers. The one in the middle who was ph.d was the silent one I left after just a couple of months. She was horrible for me.

[mcl6136]

The silent and mask-like is deadly for me. And i specifically said that when presented with this, I do not do well. I begin to assume the role of the hapless "patient" before the all-knowing "doctor." Man, did that ever backfire!

I need a lot of back and forth. I like the notion of intense interviewing. I have found that referrals from one bad one just leads to another bad one (wow!!! what a insightful discovery on my brilliant part!).

My therapy sessions sound pretty much like you describe, with feedback and lots of back and forth, etc (I don't like the silent mask thing either), and my T describes what she does as 'an eclectic style of counselling'... I think what you're probably looking for is based around the humanistic approach, maybe look at the person centred approach, too?

Of course I think it all depends what the individual therapist does with their particular skillset, their personality, their style... when trying to find a new T try and look at their website if they have one, they usually give a decent description of the type of thing they offer, and you might get an idea of who they are, their philosophy, etc... and then maybe call them up and have a chat about it?

My dad actually found my T for me - and he says he chose her in particular because she had some kind of philosophical Buddhist type quote on her website, and he's kind of into that sort of thing... lol, it could have gone all sorts of ways, but I let very lucky! I guess my dad knows me pretty well, he did good. Got anyone close to you who could help you narrow the search down?!

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by mcl6136

What are the non-analytical types of therapy known as?

There isn't one name for them. There are a diverse bunch of therapies that are not psychoanalytical. For example, CBT, DBT, Family systems, humanistic, existential, Gestalt, and more.

My T is Family systems plus humanistic. He also does stuff like ego state therapy, lifespan integration, and EMDR. If he were to pick just one he would identify as, I think it would be Family Systems. We have lots of back and forth in our conversations. He is definitely not a blank mask. He values being authentic, genuine, congruent, etc. He is definitely there in the room with me. What's the point of therapy if the therapist doesn't want to be present?

I hope you find the sort of T that will work for you. You deserve it, mcl. At least you know what you don't want. Maybe you can screen them by phone and if they say they do the blank mask thing, just hang up the phone, quick!

[BlessedRhiannon]

My T gives quite a bit of feedback, and my sessions are often more like conversations. Sometimes I have to ask for feedback, but she is always willing to give it. My T's website says that her philosophy is " integrative and draws from relational-cultural therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. "

my guy is a PhD level cognitive behaviorist. He gives lots of feedback and practical suggestions, "when you think X, do Y." As you may know, I adore him.

Motivational interviewing. Maybe DBT.

[dazeofdolphins]

You are getting a lot of good advice from people. Yes, interview, interview, interview. Let them know exactly what you are looking for and what you wish to accomplish. An MFT might be better than a psychologist due to their training and education but it is all variable. Some questions to consider during your interview: what type of degree do you have? Where did you go to school? What is your specialty? What is your approach? Are you open to feedback and direction from your clients? What is your style of communication? What is your goal when it comes to working with your clients? Do you believe in diagnostic-driven therapy or are you flexible when it comes to labeling or diagnosing people? How long have you been in the field? What type of therapist do you consider yourself to be (Freudian, etc)? Also ask about their personality and really focus in on their style of communication. Let them know what won't work for you. Also, separate from interviewing, you might want to research Yalom if you are not familiar with his work. He basically started his career as a strict by-the-book therapist but made a huge shift in his career following his own personal growth. He eventually became the type of therapist you seem to be seeking. He has written many books, text and novels. His textbooks are dry and he appears arrogant. After his "growth", he started writing novels, including "Lying on the Couch" - an excellent read. He is now quite old but, I believe, he is still on staff at Stanford. You might even wish to email him to help you figure out what type of T is best for you. Of course, their personality and beliefs play a big part, too. Good luck and I apologize for rambling.
Daze

[critterlady]

My T is a PhD psychologist and is primarily psychodynamic. My sessions are very, very interactive and he's not a blank slate at all. He doesn't share details of his personal life, but I certainly know exactly how he feels about what I tell him.

Most therapists now use an eclectic approach, combining aspects of a lot of different types of therapy, depending on what the client needs. Your best bet is really to interview several and see who you click with the best. The relationship between client and therapist is key in most therapeutic models. If someone is trained in a specific type of therapy but you feel no connection, it's not likely you'll be satisfied as that person's client.