How does one find a good therapist?

[MissMillie]

do you think it can be done without spending a lot of time and money sitting through appointments w/ one who maybe isn't quite right for you?

[pagerbear]

1. Does your employer have EAP or something like it?

[NC_Nurse]

2. Get recommendations from friends....

that's how I always found mine.

[purr]

3. Good question!

I went to one.. didnt click with her at all, she seemed to only focus on insignificant things, not the major ones, and I already knew what my issues are, but not how to overcome them, she didnt help with that.

2nd one. she creeped me out a little. I dont know why but she was weirdly nice. Was actually helpful but I couldnt stop looking at the giant protruding mole on her nose and wanting someone to bite it off.

I cant find a decent one either.. :(

[RetroLounge]

4. Word of mouth...

I went thru several assholes before I found one...

of course, looking back 2 years, the first therapist I saw called me an idiot, told me to file for divorcve now, walk away, and never look back. Maybe he was correct and I should have listened. :shrug:

"When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear..."

RL

[Rhythm]

5. Find the craziest, most f-ed up person you know... ask them...

...and then avoid THAT therapist at all costs.

Otherwise, i dunno...
I deal with my baggage in-house (be that healthy or not)

[skygazer]

6. I've been trying to figure that out for about 20 years

I've had one therapist I considered good in that time.

I had one therapist who discussed my case with other people and refused to return a journal I'd written until I had a lawyer write her a threatening letter.

I had one who spent the whole time I was there offering solutions to my material problems rather than listening to my emotional problems.

I had another who told me on my second visit that I simply needed to put my trust in jesus.


I think there are a lot of people out there counseling people who are not qualified to do so and it sucks because when you're dealing with emotional issues, the last thing you need to do is have to weed through therapists.

Good luck.

[zanne]

7. May I recommend....

One thing that I found very useful is letting the therapist know straight up what you want to resolve, what kinds of things you want to talk about, whether you want to be "led" by the therapist or whether you want the therapy itself to lead you. It's easier for them, too, to know which way to go with you and that you both know what the desired goal is. You know what you need. I'm not saying this will guarantee a perfect experience, but it sure helps. You don't have to hunt for ages to find the "perfect" therapist.

[gmoney]

8. Psychology Today's website

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php

(Maybe you'll get one that looks like Samuel Beckett...)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

9. My dear MissMillie...

This last time I needed one, I asked a girlfriend of mine who already is a psychologist, and someone I trust...

She recommended a friend of hers, and we turned out to be an excellent fit...

Another time, I asked a friend of mine, and she recommended a group that she had dealt with...

And again, I found someone who did help me with the problems I was having at the time...

Good luck...I hope you feel much better soonest...:hug:

A good therapist will do that for you....and it is a huge relief!

[no name no slogan]

10. Don't be afraid to try a few

Unfortunately, you probably won't find the right one the first time. It's taken me 3-5 tries to get one that I like, that I feel comfortable with, and that I can relate to.

And the best way to find one is to get referrals from people you know-- if your insurance will cover the person. Otherwise you may be stuck with the whim of your HMO/insurance carrier.

Good luck. :thumbsup: