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Advice for finding a therapist

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Posted 7/28/2013 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
I was told by my doctor a long time ago to consider therapy for my anxiety and other issues (depression hasn't been officially diagnosed but doctor said he thinks its there). I think I am finally ready to talk to a therapist but I have NO idea how to even begin to find a therapist nor do I know what kind of therapist I should be seeking. Also, can someone advise me on how to start this conversation because I am clueless and SCARED TO DEATH. I don't know if this will matter to your answers but I am a young adult female. Thank you in advance for your answers and continued support.

Post Edited (whatamIdoing1984) : 7/28/2013 10:31:04 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/28/2013 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone here has had different expierences with therapy, I would say mostly good, just remember if the expierence is not positive for you get a different therapist. I prefeer group therapy, it's more like being here but in a setting of
people with much the same problems, every once in a while someone hits on an issue that is relative to everyone. Peace

Larry
Posted 7/28/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Larry.

Just check out the yellow pages or search for psychologists in your area online. Then, call and check on their rates, if they take your insurance, etc.

I would recommend finding someone with a Phd, if possible. ("Dr." so and so.)

Don't worry about how to start the conversation, that's their job and most experienced people will be good at it.

In my experience, the counselor will tell you a little about themselves and their background and then ask something like, "So, what brings you here?" or "What's going on with you?"
You just babble out whatever it is that is troubling you - for example, panic attacks. They'll ask what you've tried and if you're on medicine, etc. You tell them. The next thing you know, you're all up in some therapy.

And like Larry says, if you don't enjoy the experience, or the counselor isn't a good fit, just leave knowing that there are others out there. You were looking for a counselor when you found that one - you can find another.

Best of luck!
Posted 7/29/2013 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
I am so glad to hear that you are taking this step! I actually just made reference to this in your other recent post!:)

I can't tell you how much it helped me in my recovery!

I went through two courses of CBT. The first therapist I found through my doctor. Have you asked your doctor for a referral? Doctors network with other professionals...so he/she may be able to give you a name of a good therapist.

The other time, I just took a name off of my insurance preferred provider list...someone that was local, and was taking new patients. Fortunately it was a good fit.;)

Best wishes, and keep us posted.

S.C.

p.s. once you get your first appointment, let us know, and I will re-post a thread for you..."What to expect at your first therapy appointment"...good reading in there for any first timers;)

Posted 7/29/2013 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
I would love it if you could re-post that article. I haven't made an appointment yet but I found a list of nearby therapists on my insurance company's website.
Posted 7/29/2013 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Rather than randomly selecting a therapist from a list, or from the yellow pages, I would try to get a recommendation. If you know someone who has gone through therapy and liked their therapist, that would be one possibility. If you don't know anyone, maybe call your internal medicine (general practice) doctor, or even your Ob/Gyn, and ask her/him for a recommendation.

Don't worry at all about how to start the conversation. As someone else said, the therapist will guide you.
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