If you've been in therapy before, you're likely aware that it can be a life-changing endeavor. If you haven't, you may not know what to look for in a therapist or counselor. Either way, you might not know what questions you should ask a potential psychotherapist.
Often when most people consider psychotherapy, they've tried just about everything else to create adjustments to their lives. Yet nothing has helped - certainly not for very long. When emotional suffering becomes anguish, it's not at all unusual for people to ask themselves, "Why not try therapy? I have to to stop the pain."
Sadly, any time we're suffering a lot, we often don't think well, and numerous people turn to counseling and psychotherapy (be it for individual psychotherapy, couples therapy, or family counseling) without questioning the potential counselor.
But nevertheless, there is significantly more to picking a mental health professional than picking up a phone and making an appointment.
Asking the Right Questions
Almost any person can refer to themselves as a counselor, so finding an individual to work with on the basis of this title provides limited information about the person's qualifications, education or background and hardly any protection if you receive inadequate service.
Titles along the lines of marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist are only allowed to be used by professionals with the matching qualifications who've acquired specialized education and instruction.
Furthermore, licensed mental health practitioners such as these should be members in good standing with their respective licensing bodies. Verifying this information will allow you to know something about the education and training the mental health provider has received and provide you some degree of protection in the event your receive poor or improper treatment.
Yet, verifying a mental health professional's license and credentials doesn't give you a great deal of information regarding their specialized learning, experience and whether they'll be able to meet your needs.
The only way you'll be able to determine whether a counselor or therapist is qualified to provide you the assistance you need is directly asking them qustions, such as:
What age ranges do you work with?
What problems do you work with?
What kind of education and training have you had?
How long have you been providing therapy?
Have you been in therapy yourself?
How do you work with people to help them get well?
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
Do you update your education and training?
You needn't ask all of these - especially in a first session when you need a lot of time to talk yourself. But do ask them. And trust your sense of safety with the therapist in the first session. One of the most important determinants of successful counseling is the connection or "fit" between you and your therapist. If you don't feel comfortable and safe with the therapist you're working with, it will be nearly impossible for you to do the deep honest work necessary to heal and grow.
Other than determining the qualifications, training, and capabilities of a counselor and exactly how comfortable and safe you are with them, the therapist should ask various questions about you and your circumstances. They too need to ensure there exists an acceptable match between your personality, expectations and goals and who they are and the services they provide.
The therapist should ask you what brings you to therapy, as well as about your family and general history. They may also ask questions about your childhood, education, social relationships, romantic relationships, career and current living situation.
Don't forget, even excellent counselors aren't going to be the most helpful for every individual, and no therapist can competently treat anything and everything. When considering a therapist, have them provide an example of a problem that is outside the extent of their practice, or that they are insufficiently educated to treat. If they can't or do not reply, you've just done away with a prospect. Every mental health professional should be prepared to refer you to other providers at your request.
Where to Begin Your Search
To identify a counselor or psychotherapist that's right for you, start out your research by asking a family doctor, clergy or any other qualified service providers you rely on for referrals.
You may also ask trusted friends or family members, or you can search the Internet for therapists near you. Just keep in mind, a good ad or Web page doesn't make a therapist qualified or experienced. Ask the counselor about their qualifications and experience directly, even if you receive a referral from a trusted source.
Similar to determining any professional to work with, doing due diligence and making a thorough assessment about whom to use will increase the chance that therapy will meet your needs and allow you to achieve your objectives. You shouldn't be self-conscious or frightened to ask point-blank questions... After all, your future health, well-being and happiness is at stake!
Learn more about counseling and therapy in Pasadena, CA by visiting Mark Tinley's website: http://practicegrowingcounseling.com/.