Below is an amazing tool for anyone looking to partner with a therapist. Thanks to my good friend and fellow traveling partner for your willingness to equip and encourage others to seek wise counsel.
How To Pick A Good Therapist
1.
Have a consultation so that you can see if you feel comfortable and
safe- this can be in person (preferably) or over the phone. Does the counselor seem like they
are with you, listening and understanding or do they seem like a "know it
all" and/or not emotionally connected? A consumer has a choice. Even
though it is anxiety-producing going to a therapist the first time, it is important to tease out your own stuff from the counselors.
2.
What's the general philosophy of the therapist and approach to
helping? Are people sick and need to be
labeled with a disorder or are humans lovable and loving and adapt the best they can to what happens to
them or what issues they face?
3.
How is this therapist going to help me reach my goals? First look at your goals? Do you need someone to just listen to you and
vent? Do you want homework in between
session so that you can practice what you learn? Are you willing to do the work...noticing,
journaling, exercises, trying new ways out, etc. telling the truth, coming even
when it's hard? Is the therapist willing
to let you know a path or plan that will get you to feeling better or resolving
the issue that brought you in?
4.
Does the therapist equip you with the skills to become better self
soothers/regulators? Does he or she help
you become independent over time or do they encourage a dependence on the
therapist. Of course, there will be a
dependence in the beginning because a safe attachment needs to be built so that
trust and connection develop, but with the goal that there will be an end.
5.
Has the therapist done their own therapy? If so, how long?
6.
It's OK to ask questions like, are you married? are you a parent? what clients have you helped?
7.
It also needs to be OK, or the therapist can invite the client to say,
"I'm not ready for that"
" I don't like to journal"
and be a co creator of their therapy.
8.
Can your therapist handle big emotions?
Is it safe for you to cry, get angry, etc?
9.
Does your counselor have a master's degree? Anyone can call themselves a counselor or
coach. Only someone schooled with a Master's Degree either licensed or on their
way to licensed can call themselves a psychotherapist, Marriage Family
Therapist.
Proverbs 12:15 Seek Wise Counsel....
Proverbs 12:15 Seek Wise Counsel....
Nancy Ryan, M.A.
Marriage Family Therapist Intern
Supervised by Phil Stahr, MFC
530-320-3384
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