Psychotherapy

Going to a therapist can be a worthwhile growing and stabilizing experience, good for times when you have specific problems, interpersonal problems, or generally feeling down. You can go to a therapist once, for a few months or embark on long-term therapy–each depends on different expectations and goals.

More important though than the type of therapist is the amount of training and experience with patients, who is compatible with your problems and personality and who you don’t feel uncomfortable with.

In short, you make therapy successful. Practically this means: 

• Taking therapy seriously, by doing the assignments the therapist assigns you.
• Think about the session and what you and your therapist have talked about outside of the session.
• Get family members or friends involved in your therapy experience and tell them what they can do to help you.
• Keep a journal and talk about what you write with your therapist.
• Be patient–sometimes the most “productive” therapy session or time while your are in therapy is when you feel frustrated.
• Remember, therapy is hard work, an investment in your mental health, but just in exercise, the rewards can be invaluable.

The first session is where you get to assess the therapist and they get to give you an “in-take” interview. They will differ in what information they need to know from you.

• Tell them why you are there and then ask them if this fits their training or interests.
• Ask them what kind of therapy they suggest, how long they would want to do therapy, how much it costs, up front.
• If it doesn’t fit, tell them what you want and ask them if they would be willing to accommodate.
• Pay close attention to how you feel–it is normal for you to feel a little uncomfortable or nervous. Tell them your feelings and ask them how they would deal with it if they were your therapist.

Try to emphasize the trust factor, so I am more likely to suggest the gender in which you would feel most comfortable and trusting with. However, even if you are uncomfortable with one gender it could turn out that it could be a worthwhile experience.

Go by references, talking to your friends who have been in therapy. Psychology professors are usually friends with or actually are clinical psychologists. Read psychology self-help books and when you find a therapist you think is interesting, write to them or call them.