Your opinions on this T...

Her website is here, and she's the only person my parents (who need to be in charge of all of this snot as I'm still a minor) have gotten a recommendation for; thus, she may well be the only person who's readily available to treat me, and I NEED to see a therapist SOON. Things are kind of going downhill, but that's a different rant.

I'm worried, though, because I'm getting a bad feeling about the way she seems to treat her patients. The way I see it, because I don't know what's really going on with me and seem to be dealing with a hodgepodge of different issues, namely anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm and possibly depression, I need somebody who's going to be very flexible with their approach to me. She seems... well, structured and businesslike. Plus, she focuses on eating disorders, which I don't really have.

I'd love your opinions, as many of you have or are currently going to a T... I just don't want to say "no" or stop seeing her after a few initial meetings simply because of MY preconceived expectations.

Thanks much!
~muse

Most T's have a specialty of some sort. It doesn't mean it's what they do all the time. My first T specialized in substance abuse counseling, which is a problem I've never had, and I spent 5 years with her, off and on, for my depression and assorted other issues. It worked out fine.

If you are in business for yourself, as this woman is, it behooves you to be "structured and businesslike" or you won't last very long. That doesn't mean that's the way she is with clients.

My vote is, relax -- it'll probably be OK.

Candy

Give her a try! Yeah she's business-y on her website, but that's just a website and lots of times other folks help design those. I know when I put my resume together it always sounds way more formal than I really am. You'll have a much better idea about her once you go in and meet her!

Sidony

muse, I think she sounds worth a try. The most important thing is can you develop a good relationship with her? You will probably get a sense of whether you two will "click" after you see her a couple of times.

Also, as someone mentioned, even though she has a specialty in eating disorders, it doesn't mean she doesn't work with clients with other problems too.

Also, you mentioned your parents got a recommendation for this therapist. I think recommendations count for a lot! Could you ask your parents what the person who recommended this therapist said about her? Maybe you would find those words reassuring.

Good luck.

I think because one of her best areas/interests appears to be self-esteem and she does treat teens (not all T's do), she might be a good place to start? You feel all disorganized and she might be able to figure out how to help you feel less all over the place :-) That would be a good thing? I'd give her a try. I believe there are a lot of T's in the area she's located (my T lived/worked there too) so maybe after a bit, when you're feeling less hodge-podgey :-) you can help your parents find you a T that more suits your interests and concerns as you'll know them better by then?

Thanks a million and then some for all the advice, ladies and gents... I'll definitely give her a shot and see how things work out.

THANK YOU!!!!
~muse

Yes Muse I agree with the consensus. She seems a good place to start and since she has experience with emotional trauma of one sort, she may well be able to transfer that experience over to your issues and help you.

Good luck.