Dr. Grohol's Psych Central - How to Choose a Therapist

Dr. Grohol's Psych Central - How to Choose a Therapist: "How to Choose a Therapist
AND OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
ABOUT STARTING YOUR PSYCHOTHERAPY
John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
Originally written: June 17, 1995
Last updated: July 28, 2004


So often I've been asked, 'So how does one choose a good therapist?' After all, nobody wants to put their intensely personal emotional problems into the hands of an inexperienced, ineffective, or useless practitioner. The below guidelines will offer suggestions you may want to follow in choosing your next therapist. By the way, while I was at one time a therapist in practice, I have also been in my own therapy. This article was written with both experiences in mind.


What should I look for first in a therapist?

First and foremost, you must find a therapist you feel comfortable with. Therapy is not an easy process and your therapist is not there to be your friend. Having said that, however, you can certainly choose a therapist whom you feel respects your individuality, opinions, and self. You must be able to trust your therapist 100% and if you cannot and feel like you have to lie to your therapist or withhold important information, you are not going to get any real help. You must also feel, in some respect"

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posted by Robert Heard at 10:30 AM