I plan on seeing a therapist for the first time...?

Question

what are some good questions to ask him/her to determine if they are a good choice for me? Please only answer if you have seen or seeing a therapist.

Answer 1

First, let's look at the professional labels:


Psychiatrists: These are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or psychiatric illnesses. They have medical training and are licensed to prescribe drugs. They are also trained in psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, which aims to change a person's behaviors or thought patterns.


Psychologists: These are doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) experts in psychology. They study the human mind and human behavior and are also trained in counseling, psychotherapy, and psychological testing -- which can help uncover emotional problems you may not realize you have.


Cognitive behavioral therapy is the psychologist's main treatment tool -- to help people identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. Psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medications. However, they can refer you to a psychiatrist if necessary.


Social Workers: These are specialists that provide social services in health-related settings that now are governed by managed care organizations. Their goal is to enhance and maintain a person's psychological and social functioning -- they provide empathy and counseling on interpersonal problems. Social workers help people function at their best in their environment, and they help people deal with relationships and solve personal and family problems.


Licensed Professional Counselors. These counselors are required by state licensure laws to have at least a master's degree in counseling and 3,000 hours of post-master's experience. They are either licensed or certified to independently diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Counselors can help a wide range of problems, including depression, addiction and substance abuse, suicidal impulses, stress management, self-esteem issues, issues of aging, emotional health, and family, parenting, and marital or other relationship problems. They often work closely with other mental health specialists.

Sorting It Out


When you start your search, keep an open mind. A therapist does not need decades of experience -- or a sheepskin from an ivy-league school -- to be helpful.


Some psychiatrists got their licenses 25 years ago and haven't kept up. Many psychiatrists who are trained today just handle medications. You can have a primary care doctor do that -- it's not like psychiatrists are indispensable!


I refers people to professional counselors and social workers when appropriate. They often specialize in counseling couples and families and coordinating group therapy sessions, he says. Some are good, some aren't. Some are excellent.


Credentials aren't everything - Even people with great credentials aren't necessarily great therapists. They may be smart, but that doesn't mean they have good common sense.

Where to Start?


Collect Names. Don't start with three names from your managed care company

Very likely, you don't have the company's entire list of providers, Insist on getting the whole provider list. Then ask friends and colleagues if they know a psychologist or psychiatrist who could make recommendations from that list.

Other sources:
Call a university psychiatry or psychology department and ask recommendations of people trained in that program. At least that way you know they're under scrutiny
If you're moving to a new city, ask your current therapist for referrals, or have him check with colleagues.
Call a large clinic; ask the receptionist for recommendations. They know who specializes in what...They can match you up pretty well.

Check with friends and family.

If you're embarrassed about asking for help, get over it, Get past the stigma. The outcome's too important. It's your life dude.

Also, check with professional associations to learn about a therapist's expertise -- whether they provide psychotherapy, if they treat children, etc. The American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association both provide such lists for people wanting to find a therapist.

The First Appointment


Ask questions: How long has the therapist been in practice? How many patients have had your problem? What were the results? Ask about policies, fees, payment. But don't bargain hunt for mental health care.


You find a therapist in the same way you choose any health care professional. They must be professional, credentialed, and competent, with no lawsuits against them. And they must be an intuitive fit -- you can't underestimate the absolute value of feeling a good intuitive match with somebody. Also, if you ask them questions about themselves, and they get defensive, go somewhere else.


Another important point: Has your therapist been in therapy? I'm shocked at the therapists who have never undergone personal psychotherapy. They have to have resolved their own issues, or they will steer you away from things they are not comfortable with. They may also bring their own issues into your therapy.


Ask yourself:


Do I feel reasonably OK with this person? Feeling totally comfortable isn't the best criteria, because if you're too comfortable, you're just chit chatting, and that doesn't help you.

Is the therapist really listening to me? Is he or she asking enough questions? Especially in the first sessions, the therapist should be asking many questions, to become acquainted with you and the issues you are dealing with.
Has the therapist asked what outcome you want from therapy -- how you want your life to be? How will you know when you get there, if neither the patient nor the therapist has established a goal?
Do you feel satisfied with the therapist's resources? For example, do you have to find your own therapy group? Or is your therapist checking with colleagues about a group appropriate for you?
Does what the therapist say make sense? Does it seem like bad advice? Does it help you or not?

Some people don't always like my suggestions -- yet I know from intuition and experience that its good advice.

I hope this helps... I know what I am talking about because I actually wrote the book. LOL

Answer 2

By the end of the first or second session you will know if your therapist is a good match- without necessarily having to worry about come up with specific questions. But that doesn't mean that you can't ask your therapist questions. What are you genuinely curious about? Are you wondering about your therapists qualifications? Experience and education? You might ask what approach or "modality" they use. You might find out if they specialize in the area that you are seeking help with. Trust your instinct- be conscious of you felt during your first meeting.

And as for the previous post about what defines a "therapist", that is incorrect. A therapist is just a generic term for mental health professional. Psychologists call themselves therapists, social workers call themselves therapists, and so on.

The comment was also incorrect about why or when a person should see a therapist. Anybody can see a therapist at any time. You don't have to have a specific issue. Therapy can simply a good way to keep your life on track, even if you aren't diagnosed with a mental illness.

I am a licensed therapist.

Answer 3

Anyone who calls themselves a "therapist" is a fraud. That is a non-protected term used by non-qualified people. If you have a mental illness (most common are depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders) then the correct professional to go see is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist will do therapy based on what research proves will help you. A "therapist" will talk inanely with you and pretend to care in return for money. You are almost certain to get better with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. So called treatment with a "therapist" does nothing and may make you worse.

Note, that if you don't have a specific disorder you are seeking treatment for, you shouldn't be going to therapy.

Answer 4

Sometimes you won't know if the person is a good choice until after two to three visits.
One thing a good therapist should be able to tell you after getting to know you is how long he/she thinks it will take to treat you. They should be able to give you a ballpark figure about the number of visits it will take. A therapist who leaves it open might not be a good choice.

Answer 5

There is no such a thing as question that you can formulate if he or she is a good choice for you.... the comfortableness of his presence in your life determines if he's a good choice or not..... first time seeing a counselor i think is a bias decision is he's good for you or not..... try after three sessions if he's effective to you or not... do not judge him for the first time you meet... okay???

Answer 6

first of once you've GID (HBS) you purely recognize you've it. The longer you're trying to supress it the sentiments will frequently get enhanced because you're hiding something. i imagine I understand your worry to three degree. you recognize you've GID yet you're afraid that somebody else both wont believe you or purely no longer see it. the in straight forward words one which would want to in all likelihood understand the intensity of your GID is you and the therapist is there to education guide you with that. they're going to artwork with you in steps to be sure what facilitates you. i does no longer worry about what they imagine as a diagnosis, once you've GID then you fairly have GID and also you recognize you'd be desiring to preserve it. bypass in and be your self yet maximum of all be truthful. The better genuine you're to no longer in straight forward words your self despite the indisputable fact that the those who help you the better it really is to address issues. diagnosis isn't any particular try, that is better of a roadmap and what feels smooth. As you opt for on the help of that roadmap they're going to make innovations in case you slot the criteria. In different words after 3 months of evalutation they could purely ask you "how do you experience about hormones?" it is your job to opt for at that element. yet they could't advise the remedy in the journey that they do no longer experience you qualify .... a sturdy therapist will not in any respect allow you to recognize what to do, they're going to education guide you and positioned innovations in the front of you .... at the same time as i began i change into scared to death. The better time i put in the better smooth I grew to change into and the better steps i took the happier I felt .. purely positioned one foot in the front of the different and worry about on a daily basis and not in any respect what might want to ensue in a month or 2 ...

Answer 7

How you feel in their presence makes the difference. If they make you feel uncomfortable in any way...pick another therapist. You should feel comfortable & safe enough to tell them anything.

Answer 8

Do they focus more on the past or on your present problems?
What techniques to they use*such as talk therapy, EMDR, hypnosis, journaling, etc?
What are their preferences for communication outside of normal visits to therapy--if you ever need it?
How difficult is it to get appts with him or her?
Are they planning to stay in the community for long term if you need long term therapy?
What kind of plan would they have for you with therapy-weekly, biweekly, etc.?
What kind of degree do they have and how long have they been in therapy?
What resources can they offer you or hook you up with?
Best wishes.

Answer 9

you'll know my man...it will just feel right when you get in there. i am sure he/she will know exactly what to say to start everything off...dont worry, actually going is the hard part