Choosing a therapist

Is there a place where one can research, search online, the styles and approaches of psychotherapists, so that one can make an assessment of their skills and get a first glance at how compatible you might think they may be for you.

Obviously nothing compares to having a meeting with a potential therapist candidate, but you have to start somewhere.

I want to find one of my own choice, instead of being sort of "locked" into my current one... because I started with this one, because my normal therapist abruptly ended our relationship and i had to go somewhere. I'm pretty sure I'll always associate this newer one with it having to do with being dropped by the other.

Anyone have any research suggestions?

http://therapists.psychologytoday.co...ntral/content/

Are you considering psychologists also? http://locator.apa.org/

Here is what PC offers: http://therapists.psychologytoday.co...rof_search.php

Good wishes!

I would note that the "find a therapist" here depends on where you live. I live in a small town in northwestern Wisconsin and the closest one that search engine gave me was in Minneapolis, 90-odd miles away!

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_Sky said:
Are you considering psychologists also?

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What is the benefit/difference between a psychologist and psychotherapist and psychiatrist?

Ipse, both psychiatrists and psychologists can practice psychotherapy. So both could call themselves psychotherapists if they provide that therapy. A psychiatrist is an MD, with a post med school residency in psychiatry. They sometimes provide psychotherapy (for example, here on PC, SecretGarden's therapist is a psychiatrist) but often specialize in diagnosis and prescribing psychotropic meds. A psychologist has a PhD and additional postdoctoral study or clinical internships.

There is an article here on PC about the different types of mental health professionals, which includes more than just psychiatrist and psychologists:
http://www.psychcentral.com/lib/2006...professionals/

For me, the exact degree the person has is less important than their therapeutic approach.

http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_73.asp (Differences between counseling and clinical psychologists.) From about.com: http://depression.about.com/od/psych...chotherapy.htm

Psychologists may engage in psychotherapy (or research etc.) They are licensed.
Anyone can use the term psychotherapist, counselor, or life coach but they are not necessarily licensed or accredited by the American Psychological Association ( or similar accrediting board.) Anyone can use these terms and begin counseling. In the USA there are "protected terms" that only those licensed by the APA are allowed to use.

link for info on National Assoc of Pastoral Counselors: http://www.aapc.org/wparticle.cfmp

"Why would I go to a psychologist?

The most traditional reason to work with a clinical psychologist is to gain relief from mental anguish (e.g., as in the case of a psychological disorder). This might include a "nervous breakdown," depression with suicidal thinking, obsessions, anger, or irrational fears that interfere with your ability to work, love, or play.

A psychologist can assist you in understanding the nature of the disorder, what impact research suggests the disorder will have on your life, and what you can do to combat the effects of the disorder. Essentially, a clinical psychologist can help you reclaim your life from the crippling effects of an emotional, behavioral, or (in some cases) "physical" disorder.

Albert Einstein once defined "insanity" as the repeated application of the same old tired fix, hoping each time for a different outcome.

When you go to see a psychologist, you are speaking with a scientist who is skilled in the art of human nature. It is likely that the application of a hundred years of the research into human behavior may shed some light onto your problem. A psychologist can provide insight, assign pointed behavioral projects, as well as help you to formulate your own solutions. In this way, psychologists are "mental midwives. " They help you to give birth to your own unique solutions. "

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_Sky said:
psychologists are "mental midwives. " They help you to give birth to your own unique solutions. "

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I really like that! Cool viewpoint.

Hi Ipse_Dixit, I hope you're feeling better today. You're going through such rough times recently.

I can understand your wanting to feel independent in your choice of therapists and wanting a therapist who you won't connect with your former therapist. I went outside my insurance company's list of providers because not only did they not offer the kind of therapy I want, but I never did like the involvement of the insurance company in such an intimate and personal part of my life.

Because I wanted a therapist who would offer analytic or psychodynamic/psychoanalytic therapy, I searched via Google to find the closest Psychoanalytic Institute. ("Psychoanalytic Training Institutes"). Their site had a contact person listed. Some Institutes have clinics where you can go for therapy at a very reduced fee. This one did not but I emailed the contact person and asked if there was someone who was a candidate at the institute (an already practicing, licensed therapist who has been accepted and/or is studying analytic theory at the institute) who had a practice in my area. I was very lucky to click with the first one I talked to. She's quite a distance from me but worth it. I'm worth it.

Here's a link to the site I found that gave me the referral I was looking for: http://www.apsa.org/ABOUTAPSAA/APPRO...1/Default.aspx

Also check your phone book and make some calls to therapists listed there and/or Google their names to see what comes up.

ECHOES