Choosing a therapist

[Laurelayn]

Hello Friends,
So, I have a much needed appointment with a therapist and I would like to ask you what questions you might ask a new unknown therapist.
This relationship will require a lot of trust from the beginning and I have a tough time trusting anyone.
I have been reading a LOT over the last 15 years, Women who run with the wolves, Gabor Mate, unholy hungers and when the body says no , narcissistic family, myth of sanity, trapped in the mirror, and listening to many talks by them over the last year.
I, in my arrogant way have believed I could figure myself out, I am wrong, I have only discovered how truly fucked up I am.
I am a 56 year old female artisan that has an awesome job, home, and fairly stable life. I have no health insurance and have to pay for help with my own earned money. I am in an downward spiral for reasons known but not understood by me.
If you have any advice as to questions to ask my therapist I would welcome it.
Thank you in advance.

 

[Turgon]

Hi Laurelayn,

There already is a thread called Finding the right therapist that goes into what to look for and potential pitfalls.

I am a 56 year old female artisan that has an awesome job, home, and fairly stable life. I have no health insurance and have to pay for help with my own earned money. I am in an downward spiral for reasons known but not understood by me. If you have any advice as to questions to ask my therapist I would welcome it.

That part is pretty vague and makes it difficult to understand what your reasons are for seeing a therapist is. So in that respect, it's hard to give any advice as to what questions you should ask. But if you check out the link above, it might give you some ideas.

 

[Ruth]

You could try and internet search, look at local notice boards or in local papers. You can find referrals from people who've had good experiences, and who trust their therapist (of what ever type you chose). But, first you need to figure out what type of therapist would be most appropriate.

Intuition plays an important part too. I tend to 'go' with what 'feels right'. Mind you for me, this also includes services like hairdressing, accountants, beauty therapists, dentists and doctors etc. Why should these guys and girls be any different?

Also, don't expect to have your problems solved in one go with the one therapist. Most of us take a while to find the right working relationship with the right person. What is it they say? "You got to kiss a lot of frogs before you meet a prince". Trial and error sometimes, but it sounds a lot like life.

 

[nicklebleu]

At the end of the day you will just have to pick somebody on the evidence you have and then have a trial session. You can be upfront about this, as any therapist worth bis money will know that he or she won't be suited for everybody. An then it's probably down much to your gut feeling. Sometimes it could take more than one sitting to realise, if that person is suitable for you, but then don't have any second thoughts about moving on.

Good luck for your search!

 

[Marina9]

I agree with what others have mentioned on this Laurelayn, finding the right therapist may not be the easiest thing, and if after several sessions you don't feel comfortable, don't doubt to change, until you find the one that has what you are looking for. Also maybe think of the therapist as someone which who you will want to co-work with, this person may not be the one that has all the answers for you, but what I've found out is that going with someone that guides you and doesn't just want to fill you up with ideas, is the best way to go (in my personal experience). Searching on the internet is how I got in contact with my last therapist, first I looked for an institute where they have the therapy I was looking for, and that way I was able to find the most suitable therapist for me. As the others have mentioned too, listen to your inner voice on this :)

Just my 2 cents, hope you find what you are looking for!