FAQ

How do I find a therapist?

Therapists come from a range of disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, social work, marriage and family, and others. Each approaches therapy based on a blend of theoretical orientation, training, experience, and individual personality. Probably the single most important aspect in your successful therapeutic experience--after ensuring your therapist's competence of course--is a good rapport with the therapist you choose.

Do interview several therapists, either on the telephone or in a brief consultation. You will find many therapists listed in the Yellow Pages, or you may already have heard of a few through friends or colleagues. Call and tell them you are in the process of choosing a therapist to help you with the problem you have identified. Ask them for some time for you to ask some questions, either on the telephone or in consultation.

The following questions can be useful. Remember to listen not only to the content of the answers, but also tune in to your comfort with the quality of the answers and the underlying values and attitudes that you hear. This will provide you with some good information about the possibility for you to create the kind of rapport that will make your work together effective.

• What are your degrees and training?

• Are you licensed, and by whom?

• How many years of experience do you have?

• What is your training and experience in dealing with ________?

• How do you approach this problem with your clients?

• How much do you charge?

• What are your billing policies?

• Do you accept my insurance?

FAQ

How do I find a therapist?

Therapists come from a range of disciplines, including psychiatry, psychology, social work, marriage and family, and others. Each approaches therapy based on a blend of theoretical orientation, training, experience, and individual personality. Probably the single most important aspect in your successful therapeutic experience--after ensuring your therapist's competence of course--is a good rapport with the therapist you choose.

Do interview several therapists, either on the telephone or in a brief consultation. You will find many therapists listed in the Yellow Pages, or you may already have heard of a few through friends or colleagues. Call and tell them you are in the process of choosing a therapist to help you with the problem you have identified. Ask them for some time for you to ask some questions, either on the telephone or in consultation.

The following questions can be useful. Remember to listen not only to the content of the answers, but also tune in to your comfort with the quality of the answers and the underlying values and attitudes that you hear. This will provide you with some good information about the possibility for you to create the kind of rapport that will make your work together effective.

• What are your degrees and training?

• Are you licensed, and by whom?

• How many years of experience do you have?

• What is your training and experience in dealing with ________?

• How do you approach this problem with your clients?

• How much do you charge?

• What are your billing policies?

• Do you accept my insurance?