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Searching for a qualified therapist should require
the same time and effort as searching for any other healthcare professional.
In many states, literally anyone can call himself or herself a therapist
or psychotherapist--and literally have no more than a degree in
basket weaving! It is very important to ask for credentials. For
a social worker, look for an MSW (Master’s Degree in Social
Work), and/or LSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). For a psychologist,
look for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. (Doctor of Philosophy or Dr. of Education)
or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Clinical Psychology). Preferably, you would
like to see their license, if it is not displayed on the wall of
their office. For a psychiatrist, look for an M.D. (Medical Doctor)
or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy), with a residency in psychiatry.
It is important to note that many psychiatrists are not therapists,
but perform medical evaluations. More are beginning to delve into
the therapeutic arena.
In doing your research, look for the particular modality in which
the therapist has been trained. It might be behavior modification,
psychoanalysis, existentialism or a humanistic approach. This can
be important; for example, if looking to treat for a phobia, a behavior
modification approach may be preferred.
Gender: Which sex is best? Not necessarily
the sex with whom you feel most comfortable. I have had situations
where I have been the therapist, having gone as far as I could in
the therapeutic process, the patient having reached their goals,
but I felt there were some other underlying issues that would best
be addressed by a female therapist, and so referred my patient on
to a female therapist. I believe experience is extremely important.
I do not refer anyone to a therapist unless the therapist has had
a minimum of 5 years experience. Or they have to be highly recommended
from an individual in the field whom I trust. A seasoned therapist
who has seen hundreds of patients through the years is better able
to assess what is happening with a patient.
Please be advised that a therapist may meet all of the criteria
mentioned above, and the therapeutic experience unsuccessful. Patients
and therapists don’t always gel, if you will. Subsequently,
I always tell individuals when I refer them not to be surprised
if after they have gone a few sessions, they may have to switch
therapists, until they find a therapist that “fits,”
that they can do the dance with. This is crucially important.
Please remember: Your therapist is not your
friend. Your therapist is your therapist. Subsequently your
therapist can be objective, which is crucial. It is far more difficult
for a friend to offer the same objectivity.
The disclosure in therapy can be synonymous to a horrific thunderstorm.
The amount of power and explosiveness released in the form of lightning,
thunder, wind, torrential rains that pour out can be intense and
overwhelming, when released. The release can be as calming as a
sun breaking through the clouds. The rain that falls on the earth
helps all living things grow. Subsequently, the disclosure of intense
issues in therapy, after being penned in for so long, clearly helps
in the personal growth of one’s self-esteem, and empowers
one to be stronger down the road.
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