How to Choose a Therapist
You can find the name of many mental health counselors by using the internet, phone book, or through referrals from pastors, friends or family members. Although the precise definition of a counselor and a therapist differs, the terms are often used interchangeably in the mental health field. You may want to first think about and decide if you would be more comfortable counseling with a man or a woman.
Begin the process with a phone call. You need to be comfortable with the person with whom you will be counseling, so feel free to ask any questions that will help you with this. Some questions you may want to ask are:
What is your approach or theoretical stance for therapy?
What does the process look like? How long is each session? How often will I need to see you? If applicable: If I come in by myself, can I later include my spouse or family?
How much do you charge for a session? Do you accept insurance? What type of payment do you accept?
What is your availability?
If my spiritual faith is important to me, will I be able to make this part of our discussion?
If you interview more than one therapist, choose the one with whom you feel the most comfortable based on their answers and how you were treated on the phone. You are entitled to respect from your therapist.
After the first session, ask yourself questions like “Did I feel heard and understood?”; “Did the therapist seem competent?” and “Am I comfortable with the goals and plan for treatment that were discussed? Sometimes the answers to these questions will be unclear until you meet with the counselor two or three times. Your counseling is for you, and you should feel safe and comfortable for the process to work well. If it does not feel like a good match for you, be honest with yourself and the therapist. You can ask the therapist for a referral.
We would be happy to answer any of your questions about this process or about the counseling services we provide. We have both male and female therapists, and we offer a variety of specialties and “types” of counseling (i.e. groups, marriage, individual, family, pre-marital, etc). Please call (317) 846-2444. We are here to help.
Written by Sharon Thompson, MA Marriage and Family Therapist February 23, 2010
“I want to see a Mental Health Counselor. Does that mean I’m crazy?”
Does it mean you are “crazy” if you come to see a counselor? The short answer is “No.” There is not a person alive who could not benefit on some level from counseling. Even now in the 21st century there seems to exist a feeling of secrecy, embarrassment or shame when we seek out someone with whom to talk and sort out our feelings. There can be fear involved which leads us back to our original question, “If I seek out the help of a counselor, will I be judged and labeled as crazy.” I believe the opposite is true. A person who seeks out counseling has the intelligence and self-awareness to know he/she is in need of help. It does not mean you are weak to seek out help. Again, the opposite is true. It means you are brave enough to reach out and seek support, answers or insight that has eluded you.
The reasons people seek out a counselor are as varied as people themselves. Life is full of transitions such as finding your footing in a new marriage, the struggles with blending families, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, divorce, becoming an empty nester, and retirement. Change is difficult for most, and life if full of it. There are the everyday struggles such as not knowing what to do with feelings such as anger, sadness or fear and the feeling of “being stuck.” We all know people who repeat patterns of being controlling or hot tempered or unable to speak their true feelings. Without understanding why they are using these behaviors, they tend to repeat them. If they lead to repeated negative responses from others or repeated bad consequences, wouldn’t it be helpful to learn what is leading to these actions and what can be done about it?
My suggestion is, try it. Find one with whom you feel comfortable. Call us and ask us specifically for what you are looking. You will get the most benefit from a counselor who you feel safe and connected with. Feel free to ask the counselor questions. The time you are with the counselor is your time. You deserve to get the most out of it. If you have concerns, share them. If it doesn’t feel like a good “fit,” you can always see someone else.
Can we talk to friends or family members? The answer to this is as varied as our families. Some people simply do not feel safe sharing deep, personal feelings with family members who themselves often have not dealt with their own struggles and feelings. Well meaning friends often try to give advice when maybe you just need someone to listen. Friends and coworkers can also give advice like, “Just get over it and move on.” When our feelings are involved, this is not helpful. This is where professional training comes in handy. A counselor can offer a compassionate ear, support, insight and guidance - as much or as little as you want. There is a more satisfied life waiting for you.
Call us today and let us connect you with a safe, compassionate counselor who can meet your needs. Our phone number is (317) 846-2444.
Written by Sharon Thompson, MA Marriage and Family Therapist January 5, 2010
Marriage and Family Consultation
8465 Keystone Crossing, Ste. 208 Indianapolis 46240 |
