If you have serious doubts about your current therapist, let them know that you will not be returning. Most therapists will respond in a professional manner and offer to give you a referral. Some therapists may ask why you are leaving, and it is best if you answer honestly or simply state that you prefer [...]
If you are not happy with your therapist, it is very important to make your feelings part of the therapeutic process. Therapists are trained to work with difficult feelings, including anger. If you are not happy with your progress, it would be beneficial for you to examine the issue in therapy. You can ask for [...]
The initial visit is for you and your therapist to get to know each other and decide how to proceed. In brief, the first 15 minutes are about introductions and practice policies (fees, appointments, missing sessions and confidentiality). Talk about what has brought you to therapy and ask how the therapist might work. At [...]
Most of my clients were referred by others who were also previously in therapy and now find themselves making significant change. As time passes, we change and when we are motivated, we approach our personal growth through fresh eyes.
Good, you are in touch with your fear. A common fear is that we will be judged for our beliefs about all of the horrible things we have done, feelings we feel or thoughts we have. An experienced therapist will not go beyond your level of comfort. They will explain the process in the beginning [...]
Do you feel hopeful when you meet them? Do you feel that the therapist heard you and that they get you? Do you get that gut feeling that says this could work despite being nervous? Do you have a sense that you could feel safe? Can you imagine yourself opening up with them and have [...]
This depends on a number of things: you, what you want to work on and the trust factor. Choose the one with whom you would feel most comfortable.
Pay attention to how it feels to be with the therapist. Tell a bit about yourself and why you are there. Ask about their training and experience, how they would propose working, and whether they feel their expertise is a good match for your initial needs. Tell them you are shopping around and ask how [...]
Word of mouth is a great starting place, so ask for recommendations from friends who have had a good experience or from a professional you respect. If you search the web, rely more heavily on respected websites like these: Psychology Today, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), The International EMDR website, the American [...]
Therapy is not just for those times when you feel bad. You may have a sense that life could be better, or that you would like to continue your personal growth with support from a professional.