A discussion of Psychotherapy by Dr. Keith Haartmaan
Q: How do I find the right therapist?
A: In doing therapy, you invest time and money in a process designed to alleviate pain and promote change in your life. Since your decision represents an important step forward, finding an effective therapist is key. Consider these 2 points. First, keep in mind that you are entitled to ask a therapist about his or her credentials, training and approach. This information helps you assess whether the therapist has the appropriate skills and the experience. Second, take your “gut feelings” seriously. If you have misgivings during the first few sessions, try to voice them – a good therapist will respect these concerns and discuss them with you. Perhaps the discussion will clarify that the match isn’t optimal for you. On the other hand, you may discover that your misgivings have less to do with the therapist, and relate more to personal issues that you can explore as part of the therapeutic process. Although the pressure to get into therapy right away can sometimes feel intense, it is always best initially to meet with more than one therapist to select the person you feel most comfortable with.
