Shopping for a Therapist: Buyer BewareA Micro Guide to a Mega Challenge
Full disclosure. I graduated from the university of Toronto with an MD in 1961. After five more years of study at U of T and Harvard, Boston I qualified as a specialist in Psychiatry. In the late 60s if you had a mental disorder like schizophrenia or if you had anxiety, depression and other emotional or relationship problems, you went to see a psychiatrist. At that time, psychologists and social workers did not offer psychotherapy since there were hardly any “therapists” or counsellors around. All that started to change when psychotropics (drugs used in Psychiatry) such as Prozac (antidepressant) and Ativan (anxiolytic) came along. Gradually, more and more psychiatrists became focused on providing drug therapy. Instead of psychotherapy. This created a void into which psychologists, social workers and a whole new breed of therapists and counsellors moved into.
Most people looking for help with problems (I know problems are off the table. We have no problems any more, just challenges. But I told you at the start – I am old school) tend to speak to their family physicians and ask for a referral. This is great as long as your doctor knows you well and is familiar with a range of therapists/counsellors in the community so that she can connect you with a professional who you will be compatible with. All the research on psychotherapy – which is what we are talking about here – shows that a good fit plays a major role in arriving at a positive outcome. And there is much here that needs to be “fitted.”
Keep in mind that most family physicians, and I realize this is a generalization and like all generalizations does not apply to all cases, lack a thorough understanding of psychology and what constitutes a good therapist. They tend to refer their patients to psychiatrists, psychologist or other therapists that they have met socially and liked. Secondly, they rarely give thought to how this particular patient’s personality will relate to the presumptive therapist’s personality. Therefore, do not unquestioningly accept your doctor’s referral without doing a bit of research.
First of all, find out what is the therapist’s designation. I say this because there is a massive range and variety of therapists to choose from. Here is a list of some of the most frequently found “fauna and flora.” Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychoanalysts, social workers, marriage and family counsellors, addiction counsellors, spiritual counsellors, EMDR practioners, CBT practioners, hypnotherapists, and life coaches. Most recently, I came across a person who calls themselves a “clinical practioner.” I have no idea what that means. That tells me nothing of their background or qualifications.
I think that knowing the educational background of the therapist should be taken into consideration. I know this sounds like a lot of work but remember, your life, in a very real sense, depends on it. The right therapist can be of great help to you. The wrong one – well, you can fill in the blanks.
At the present, you can become Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy in as few as 3.5 years or extend your program duration to accommodate your other life priorities. All this online. And that is a well-structured program as compared to many others that will hand out doctorates and other degrees and diplomas virtually overnight for a fee. Ask yourself, do you really want to see a therapist who received all his training online and never practiced face to face therapy or, whose degree or diploma is from a university you have never even heard of?
Just to make things a little more complicated, you can also have a therapist of any faith if that is important to you. You can speak to a licensed Christian therapist or receive treatment from the perspective of Catholic Anthropology or have therapy delivered from a holistic, empathetic, Islamic Perspective, etc. etc.
Once you have established the identity and background of your prospective therapist, it’s also a good idea to determine what kind of therapy they practice. Let me list some of the most common ones: Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, Dialectical Behavior (DBT), EMDR, Soma Therapy, Family / Marital, Feminist, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative,Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Positive Psychology, Sand play, Strength-Based, Trauma Focused, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Individual Psychology (Adlerian), Hypnosis and Psychedelics Assisted Therapy (LSD, psilocybin) that is making a comeback.
Feel overwhelmed, I am not surprised. However, I am sure you can see my point. Remember the old saying, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Avoid therapists who only do hypnosis or only practice EMDR. Rather choose people who have a more holistic approach unless, of course, it is this particular modality you are seeking.
Steer clear of therapists who promise to cure you in a short time. One of my patients went to see a therapist who promised him that after his first fabulous session he will leave walking on air and enjoying an uplifted spirit. After three sessions he would be cured of his long-standing depression. After three sessions and $600 later there was no change in his condition.
Personally, I have found that asking a friend who is or has been in therapy, for the name of their therapist, usually works out better than asking your GP. While degrees, diplomas and certificates are important what I value most in a therapist is behaving at all times in a professional manner, having a wealth of theoretical knowledge and life experience, being non-judgmental, genuinely interested in helping her patient get better and creating a space in which the patient/client will feel accepted and safe. Hope you find a good fit.
Key Points
Before you see a therapist, check out their credentials and what type of therapy they practice.
Steer clear of therapists who promise to cure you in a short time.
Seek out a therapist has a wealth of theoretical knowledge and life experience, w
A good fit is paramount.
