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"The great thing is, if one can, to stop regarding

all the unpleasant things as interruptions

in one's 'own' or 'real' life. The truth is,

of course, that one regards as interruptions

are precisely one's life."

—C.S. Lewis

getting the most from therapy

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Research indicates that the number one factor that determines a successful experience in psychotherapy is the relationship between client and therapist. Therefore, choosing the "right" therapist for you is of utmost importance.

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Ask yourself these questions:

  • What do I hope to gain from therapy?

  • What are my expectations/goals?

  • What are my ideas about how therapy works?

  • What qualities in a therapist are important for me? Which are imperative and which are preferred?

  • Gender

  • Race or ethnicity

  • Religion

  • Sexual orientation

  • Age

  • Personal qualifications (married, children, divorced, etc.)

  • Fluent in language other than English

  • Free parking

  • Handicapped accessibility

  • Evening or weekend hours

  • In-network insurance provider

  • Geography (location of office)

  • A specific professional degree or license (LMFT, LCSW, PhD, PsyD, MD, etc.)

  • Specialized training

  • Other​?

The worst part about finding the right therapist is that you're probably looking for someone when you're very vulnerable. People don't look for therapists when everything is fine. Most therapists will do a 15 - 20 minute free consult on the phone. Once you've seen someone once, ask yourself:

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  • Was the therapist professional?

  • Am I comfortable with this therapist? Would I like to come back?

  • Did this therapist answer all my questions without judgment?

 

All licensed therapists are qualified to provide therapeutic services. However, there are some cases that may be better served by a therapist with specialized training in a specific area (such as addiction, eating disorder, trauma treatment, couples, etc.). Do not hesitate to discuss these specializations with your therapist.

 

Will therapy work for me?

Research indicates that "talk therapy" does work under the right conditions. Many have reported relief from depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns, among other things.

 

Most people who receive treatment do benefit from therapy. However, there is no guarantee that therapy will yield positive or intended results. Sometimes when we start to "look" closely, things can get worse. Sometimes things feel worse before they feel better. It is impossible to predict the outcome of treatment. Therapy is a collaborative process and success depends on many factors including motivation, effort, life circumstances, access to or use of support services, therapist/client relationship, among others. If you feel that therapy is not making a difference, be sure to address that with your therapist.

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