I agree that using an INTERVIEW process can work well.
First, do some research about the TYPE of therapy you might want, there are different kinds. I prefer Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, but there are various types, some listed here. (I would suggest staying away from the Freudian type psychoanalysis).
[
www.mayoclinic.com]
Then get a list of REGISTERED and ACCREDITED therapists, best from a referral from a trusted source like a university institute.
Anyone can call themselves a "therapist" with no training at all.
You can then GOOGLE the therapists name, and many are now coming up on sites that rate therapists. This one rates psychiatrists.
[
ratemds.com]
But put their name in QUOTES and Google it.
"Dr. Joe Blow" and just search the name. If you are worried about a cult like Landmark, add that word after the quote.
"Dr. Joe Blow" Landmark.
or
"Joe Blow" therapy landmark.
Just keep searching like that.
INTERVIEW IN PERSON:
Then call them up, say you have Insurance for ______ number of sessions, or a certain therapy budget, etc. (this is so they know you are serious and have some money, if its not covered).
THEN, ask for a FREE 15 minute interview, to ask them some questions, and meet face to face. About 50% of therapists will go for that, if they have time.
Many of them won't, and instead will just have you book one PAID session or half session, which is reasonable. Determine the rate beforehand, of course, just like any other service.
But its critical to use some Critical Thinking in this process as well, as lets face it, there are some really bad therapists out there as well, even sexual abusers, and financial manipulators.
The tricky thing though, is you are going to ultimately have some "transference" with the therapist, and have to deal with issues of "trust", and that is where it can get very tricky.
Here is a link about how to find a Cognitive Therapist.
Notice they have a link about using CAUTION.
[
mindovermood.com]
Good info here too.
www.beckinstitute.org
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/20/2008 04:18AM by The Anticult.