Therapy How To Choose A Therapist

Therapy 101 - How to Choose a Therapist

Getting a recommendation from a close family member or friend is probably the best way to obtain a therapist. Not unlike medical doctors all therapists have a particular field in which they specialize. Some may be good at one field and not at another, so matching the right doctor with the best patient is very important. Many times your general practitioner will can refer you to a good therapist. They would know who has a specialty on the field you may need. Many times people check online or go through their local telephone books to look for a reputable therapist. When dealing with an insurance company, more than likely they will set you up for an appointment to see a group of three panelists, who will review your case and direct you to a couple of well known doctors whom can treat your situation.

They will generally have a brief interview with the therapist to see if they are right to treat your case. It is very important for them to set you up with a doctor that you will be at ease with and not feel uncomfortable speaking with. Furthermore many doctors will now set up a small interview as a getting to know you basis so you can feel them out and they can get a good read on your demeanor with them. When you see a therapist you leave yourself open to perhaps a lot of criticism and can place yourself in a vulnerable situation. They will assure you that it is all part of the healing process so it would be necessary for you to open up and allow them the chance to help you. It is imperative though that you want the help in the first place. Trust is the biggest issue between the patient and the therapist, and must be maintained at all times, in order for it to work out. This must be the safe place for the patient. Having this safe place is the single most important place for the patient as they will be bearing all and feel alone and practically helpless.

The emotional and physical environment must be a steady balance and be a warm and inviting home base for the therapy to be successful. Having everything in a calm state and relaxed the patient is more likely to open up and find that inner problem that must be eliminated through help of the therapist. This will be a support group of one and will allow the patient to, not feel obligated to open up because someone else has, it is only the two of you in the room. The therapist will not ridicule you or put you down, as they are there to be a friend, and a trusted ear. You will always have dignity and self worth when it comes to the therapist. This person that you will not really know is going to hear the most personal and possibly embarrassing things about you, they are not there to judge or make assumption, they are there to help. When you make the initial call more than likely you will not speak to the therapist, do not get discouraged as they are usually quite busy, instead make sure you leave your name and that you want to see a therapist, then leave your phone number, if you do not feel comfortable with leaving your home number leave a cell phone number instead.

Speaking with someone about your problem other than a trained and professional therapist may be detrimental to your condition or problem, it would be best to wait until you speak to this professional and keep it in strict confidence, as there is such thing as patient therapist confidentiality. It is best that you do not leave a detailed message with the secretary as she is not a doctor and really has no business knowing why you wish to speak to the doctor. If they insist that you tell them, they should be reported. Wait for the doctor, as chances are they will get back to you within a few days anyway, if not that very same day. When you receive the call back they will identify themselves as the therapist, tell them that you are looking for an appointment. Do not speak about your situation on the telephone, as you never really know whom you are speaking with. In short, the therapist will see you and with all the training that they have received and the willingness to fix the problem within yourself, you will be fast on the road to recovery. Good luck.