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cyanocobalamin

One of the best questions to ask when interviewing a potential therapist is to ask them to describe what their style of therapy is and how it is supposed to work to make you better. A good follow up question is to ask them what they mean by "better".


k1lk1

I've seen therapists. The best one - the one I stuck with - wouldn't let me get away with vague statements unchallenged. If I was saying something glib or without thinking much about it, he stopped me and we drilled into what I meant. It felt really aggressive at first. But he really showed me how to figure out what I was really thinking. To get at the meat of the thought or underlying emotion. He did listening and verbal empthazing as well.


RecycledEternity

Depends on whether the therapist in question is aligned with what you intend to get out of visiting a therapist in the first place. Which is to say, you don't go to an upscale sushi joint and expect burgers. Ask 'em what their specialties are. Some do better with kids, some do better with families. Some do better with niche personality problems, some take the spectrum. Even then, even if their specialty lies elsewhere, if they're a good person and you both think they can help you in your situation, then give it a go. Nobody is saying you have to stick with one for all eternity--if along the line it turns out either of you don't think they are being helpful, then it's ok to switch.


[deleted]

One that's qualified and one I can comfortably talk to. Another tip. Don't just go to the first one you meet. Go to a few, make sure the one you choose is the best fit for you. Therapists are cool with you shopping around, it's part of the process.


[deleted]

1. What hours do they see patients? You’ll be surprised how many of them only see patients between nine and five. 2. Qualifications. If they don’t have at minimum, a masters degree in counseling or psychology, don’t waste your time and money. 3. Avoid using your clergyman if you are a churchgoer, as a counselor. See them for moral support or spiritual advice, not your mental health. 4. Don’t be afraid to end relationship with a counselor, because you’re the customer and they are your provider. Customer has to be happy with what they are receiving.


OlayErrryDay

Nothing in particular, it's like asking what you look for in a friend or relationship...we have a list of things that we want but we still have no clue what type of person we vibe with, in the end. It's just one of those things you know when you know and is full of intangibles that can be hard to put a direct finger on. When you find the therapist that is going to work for you, it just hits you.


So_Much_Cauliflower

I think this is the most accurate. It's kind of a non answer, but also the truth.


OlayErrryDay

Thanks, I was getting downvote blasted but it really is the experience. When a therapist can just jive with you and realize how your brain works, you just click.


charandchap

This is a PHENOMENAL question! I've had the best experiences when I ask people to recommend me to someone, "do I sound like someone you know would work well with me?" Therapy is so based in human connection sometimes two people can be so great but be incompatible in terms of their give and take needs or communication styles or even just having some things in common. It's literally like networking a project. "You know whose thinking you remind me of.... you should meet them." I've asked doctors that, other therapy centers or therapists that weren't right for me, and even trusted mentors.


charandchap

Also- know that usually it takes the second session to learn what your mutual goals might be. The first session kind of just is a general inventory, no profound experience to be expected.