| 1. Choose someone that has been a therapist for at | | | | now - who knows with the new Obama health care |
| least five years. Longer is even better, because you | | | | program?). If you are worried about the money part, it |
| do not want to be the guinea pig for anyone. See if | | | | will be hard to keep up with your therapy sessions. Do |
| you can ask as many questions to the therapist as | | | | you need a Psychologist (similar to a General |
| they no doubt will ask you. That way you are not the | | | | Practitioner) or a Psychiatrist (more like a mental health |
| only one sharing your whole life story. | | | | specialist - these are the ones who can prescribe |
| 2. Choose a therapist for more than just their name. I | | | | psychotropic medication if they feel you need it). |
| once went to a therapist because her name was Dr. | | | | 7. It is good to be aware of the therapists previous |
| Friend. I figured she would be very understanding and | | | | employment. I was seen by a person who I later found |
| helpful, but I was wrong. Do a little investigating about a | | | | had been fired from his last place of employment for |
| therapist to see if they have had much success with | | | | inappropriate behavior with a patient. Another was |
| individuals such as yourself. | | | | sued for fraud. You can also check online if they have |
| 3. Choose someone who you will feel comfortable | | | | had any complaints filed against them. Also, find out if |
| with. If you are interested in getting relief for a chemical | | | | they carry malpractice insurance. |
| imbalance, you may not want to choose a therapist | | | | 8. You probably will not feel relief from your emotional |
| that will make you delve into your shady past and | | | | turmoil after the first or second therapy session, but If |
| bring up all the skeletons in your closets. If you like | | | | after a few sessions, you still do not feel like you are |
| sharing all your secrets more than taking medications, | | | | being helped, you may want to reconsider your choice. |
| find out the ways in which a therapist treats patients. | | | | There is nothing wrong with changing from one |
| 4. Choose a therapist that you can trust 100 per cent. | | | | therapist to another as long as you are not just |
| You will probably only get worse if you end up having | | | | therapist jumping for the fun of it. You may just not be |
| to lie to your therapist to save face. They are | | | | compatible with a certain personality type. Also, if your |
| supposed to keep your confidences confidential. That | | | | religious beliefs or ethics conflict with what the |
| way you can really share what is bothering you | | | | therapist is telling you, you may want to consider |
| without feeling threatened. You are, after all, there for | | | | someone with similar beliefs and ethics. |
| help, not to be judged. The more honest you are about | | | | 9. One of the most frustrating things for me seeing a |
| how you feel, the better you can start to get better. | | | | therapist was just getting into a very emotional place in |
| 5. Choose a therapist that is licensed in your state. If | | | | my life and then having the doctor tell me my time is |
| they have a M after their name, they probably have at | | | | up. Kill me now! You need to feel that the therapist is |
| least a Masters degree. Clinical social workers and | | | | interested and concerned enough not to leave you like |
| Counselors can give therapy also, but do not have as | | | | that. Even if a therapist has all the degrees and |
| much formal training as Psychiatrists (M.D. - medical | | | | experience, if they do not show compassion in your |
| degree specializing in Psychiatry) or as Psychologists | | | | hour of need, say goodbye. Look for someone who is |
| (Ph.D.- Doctorate of Philosophy or Psy.D - Doctorate | | | | warm and respectful of your feelings. You should feel |
| of Psychology). Do not be afraid to shop around and | | | | hopeful when you leave a session, not more |
| get as much information as you can before you | | | | depressed. Before starting, it is good to know how |
| decide on a therapist. | | | | much time your session is scheduled for. |
| 6. Choose the most skilled professional that you can | | | | 10. Take recommendations from people that you trust. |
| afford. Remember that therapy is an investment in | | | | Your primary physician may have suggestions or even |
| yourself. If you do have insurance, it should pay for | | | | your ecclesiastical leader. You should also check with |
| several therapy sessions a year, at least partially, and | | | | your insurance as they tend to cover only very |
| you may also fork out a co-pay (at least that is for | | | | qualified therapists. |