Comments on: How to Choose a Counselor or Therapist http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/ > Mon, 12 May 2008 09:05:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Blake http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-5689 Blake Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:32:16 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-5689 I think people obtaining help though therapy is important. Your therapy blog is very informative. I would love to add a link from my therapy site to your therapy site. I think people obtaining help though therapy is important. Your therapy blog is very informative. I would love to add a link from my therapy site to your therapy site.

]]> By: Bob Bowden http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-3569 Bob Bowden Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:29:19 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-3569 It's one thing to study all the theoretical approaches to effective social work, it's quite something else to know the nature of the beast by personal experience. Since we can't all be poor or homeless or or homeless military veteran, for instance, we need to read the chronicles of those who have successfully navigated this difficult terrain. One such resource I've found and recommend is: "Down Town: True Tales of Trial and Triumph on the Mean Streets" by the NASNA 2003 Award winning author Robert E. Lipscomb of St. Louis. www.eaglesviewpress.com Read this, thank me later. Peace. It’s one thing to study all the theoretical approaches to effective social work, it’s quite something else to know the nature of the beast by personal experience. Since we can’t all be poor or homeless or or homeless military veteran, for instance, we need to read the chronicles of those who have successfully navigated this difficult terrain. One such resource I’ve found and recommend is: “Down Town: True Tales of Trial and Triumph on the Mean Streets” by the NASNA 2003 Award winning author Robert E. Lipscomb of St. Louis. http://www.eaglesviewpress.com Read this, thank me later. Peace.

]]> By: Garth Mintun, LCSW http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-2469 Garth Mintun, LCSW Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:27:39 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-2469 Good article! How about finding out what the therapist's values are? I often reccomend that people interview therapists to see what there values are and their world view. Often time’s people go to therapy because they are in intense emotional pain and need assistance in dealing with this. Very seldom are psychotherapists asked about their “world view” and their values, even though this will impact the therapy process. Psychotherapists are people and have biases. The way traditional therapy is set up is with an ‘expert” who has an unequal power relationship with the client. Therapists who are aware of this power relationship can hold their bias in check or continue to work on it. A good therapist will be up front with their biases and ask the client for consultation. Psychotherapists have a world view. Do they (psychotherapists) see clients as enriching their lives? Does the psychotherapist believe their clients are experts in knowing themselves and what they need? Does the psychotherapist ask the client mid point during the session if they are going in the correct direction of the therapeutic process? Does the psychotherapist see the client as having problems that are external from the person or do they believe that the client “owns their problem”? What does the therapist believe their role in psychotherapy is? What are the psychotherapist’s views on people who are marginalized by normative society? Does the therapist actively try to correct social injustice with marginalized people---how do they respond in the therapy room? Clients need to interview their therapists to learn more and of course to see if their views are compatible. Therapy sessions work more effectively when open mutuality exists. This allows the therapist and client to acknowledge their human vulnerability, make mistakes and those errors can be understood and repaired. Good article! How about finding out what the therapist’s values are? I often reccomend that people interview therapists to see what there values are and their world view.

Often time’s people go to therapy because they are in intense emotional pain and need assistance in dealing with this. Very seldom are psychotherapists asked about their “world view” and their values, even though this will impact the therapy process. Psychotherapists are people and have biases. The way traditional therapy is set up is with an ‘expert” who has an unequal power relationship with the client. Therapists who are aware of this power relationship can hold their bias in check or continue to work on it. A good therapist will be up front with their biases and ask the client for consultation.

Psychotherapists have a world view. Do they (psychotherapists) see clients as enriching their lives? Does the psychotherapist believe their clients are experts in knowing themselves and what they need? Does the psychotherapist ask the client mid point during the session if they are going in the correct direction of the therapeutic process? Does the psychotherapist see the client as having problems that are external from the person or do they believe that the client “owns their problem”? What does the therapist believe their role in psychotherapy is? What are the psychotherapist’s views on people who are marginalized by normative society? Does the therapist actively try to correct social injustice with marginalized people—how do they respond in the therapy room?

Clients need to interview their therapists to learn more and of course to see if their views are compatible. Therapy sessions work more effectively when open mutuality exists. This allows the therapist and client to acknowledge their human vulnerability, make mistakes and those errors can be understood and repaired.

]]> By: Dr. Erica Goodstone http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-2253 Dr. Erica Goodstone Fri, 03 Aug 2007 01:03:15 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-2253 Begin by doing a little personal research. Decide why your are seeking counseling at this time, what you main issues or concerns are, what type of therapist might be best for you (style of therapy, male or female, location, etc.). Ask people you know and trust for referrals. Google the words: psychotherapy, one or two words that describe your issue, problem or concern, and the city or state where you live. Do a serious review of the credentials, philosophy and background of each of the therapists that seem to fit your requirements. Send an email to those that interest you. Wait for an email response and then call the one therapist that you feel is appropriate for you. if the therapist you have chosen does not respond to your email or fails to return your phone call, check out another therapist. Keep seeking until you have a satisfying conversation on the telephone with a therapist that answers your most pertinent questions and "feels" right. Begin by doing a little personal research. Decide why your are seeking counseling at this time, what you main issues or concerns are, what type of therapist might be best for you (style of therapy, male or female, location, etc.). Ask people you know and trust for referrals. Google the words: psychotherapy, one or two words that describe your issue, problem or concern, and the city or state where you live. Do a serious review of the credentials, philosophy and background of each of the therapists that seem to fit your requirements. Send an email to those that interest you. Wait for an email response and then call the one therapist that you feel is appropriate for you. if the therapist you have chosen does not respond to your email or fails to return your phone call, check out another therapist.
Keep seeking until you have a satisfying conversation on the telephone with a therapist that answers your most pertinent questions and “feels” right.

]]> By: Kimberly Kino, LPC http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-2243 Kimberly Kino, LPC Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:54:23 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-2243 I always suggest that clients perform a telephone interview with at least 5 counselors. The counselor they pick should represent the person that is the best employee. I always suggest that clients perform a telephone interview with at least 5 counselors. The counselor they pick should represent the person that is the best employee.

]]> By: Deah Curry PhD http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1991 Deah Curry PhD Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:15:56 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1991 As a therapist in private practice since 1990, I would add a word of caution regarding the assumption that counselors who have jumped the licensure and supervision hoops may thereby be better at helping clients achieve emotional balance. These hoops are designed to identify and treat psychopathologies of serious mental illness. They are nearly oblivious to the dissatisfactions of normal clients dealing with the everyday stresses of life, and generally are not useful to therapists in helping clients find deeper meaning, satisfaction, personal growth, and wholeness. In my opinion, more important than licensure are the factors of: ~graduate and post graduate training ~continued education including a consultive relationship with peers ~successful experience working with others with the same issue ~whether the therapist has done their own therapy, and continues to address their own personal issues with a therapist of their own. Most important, as research shows, is the rapport established between client and counselor. If you can't feel comfortable with your therapist, it's unlikely you will be able to open up and examine your issues to the degree necessary for healing and change. Dr Deah Curry PhD Holistic Counselor Therapeutic Coach As a therapist in private practice since 1990, I would add a word of caution regarding the assumption that counselors who have jumped the licensure and supervision hoops may thereby be better at helping clients achieve emotional balance.

These hoops are designed to identify and treat psychopathologies of serious mental illness. They are nearly oblivious to the dissatisfactions of normal clients dealing with the everyday stresses of life, and generally are not useful to therapists in helping clients find deeper meaning, satisfaction, personal growth, and wholeness.

In my opinion, more important than licensure are the factors of:
~graduate and post graduate training
~continued education including a consultive relationship with peers
~successful experience working with others with the same issue ~whether the therapist has done their own therapy, and continues to address their own personal issues with a therapist of their own.

Most important, as research shows, is the rapport established between client and counselor. If you can’t feel comfortable with your therapist, it’s unlikely you will be able to open up and examine your issues to the degree necessary for healing and change.

Dr Deah Curry PhD
Holistic Counselor
Therapeutic Coach

]]> By: Deborah Cole, Psy.D. http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1975 Deborah Cole, Psy.D. Sat, 21 Jul 2007 22:53:26 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1975 I would emphasize that dual relationships include having sexual or romantic relationships with a client. This unfortunately still happens and when it does the patient may feel "special" but is really being exploited, and the therapy ends. I would also suggest that a client can be comfortable with a therapist but such comfort can mean tha the client is not being challenged to change ways of thinking or being in the world. There must be a level of comfort, including the comfort that comes from being understood, but it there is no strain, there is probably no gain. For example, I have seen plenty of people with OCD who have been comfortable seeing counselors but they have received "talk therapy" or "relaxation therapy" and have had to continue suffering for months or years when what they really needed was exposure therapy. Exposure therapy makes the person somewhat more anxious in the beginning but the patient who can tolerate the titrated anxiety gets better, often quickly. So my point is an obvious one: comfort is not enough. I would emphasize that dual relationships include having sexual or romantic relationships with a client. This unfortunately still happens and when it does the patient may feel “special” but is really being exploited, and the therapy ends.

I would also suggest that a client can be comfortable with a therapist but such comfort can mean tha the client is not being challenged to change ways of thinking or being in the world. There must be a level of comfort, including the comfort that comes from being understood, but it there is no strain, there is probably no gain. For example, I have seen plenty of people with OCD who have been comfortable seeing counselors but they have received “talk therapy” or “relaxation therapy” and have had to continue suffering for months or years when what they really needed was exposure therapy. Exposure therapy makes the person somewhat more anxious in the beginning but the patient who can tolerate the titrated anxiety gets better, often quickly. So my point is an obvious one: comfort is not enough.

]]> By: Doris Jeanette, Psy.D. http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1963 Doris Jeanette, Psy.D. Sat, 21 Jul 2007 19:18:51 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1963 After 30+ years of experience as a licensed psychologist I know degrees and licenses mean nothing--zip. Nope, give me an emotionally safe person instead! A loving person, who is open hearted is the only one who can help anyone else. Got to heal yourself before you can help anyone else. Professionals are not up to speed most of the time in the "Open Heart" department, but the ones that are--are great! Visit my web site, drjeanette.com for an article on "How to Pick the Perfect Practitioner for You" to make sure you do not get guilt tripped into staying with unhealthy therapists. There are some voice, non verbal and emotional ways to check them out. After 30+ years of experience as a licensed psychologist I know degrees and licenses mean nothing–zip. Nope, give me an emotionally safe person instead! A loving person, who is open hearted is the only one who can help anyone else. Got to heal yourself before you can help anyone else.

Professionals are not up to speed most of the time in the “Open Heart” department, but the ones that are–are great! Visit my web site, drjeanette.com for an article on “How to Pick the Perfect Practitioner for You” to make sure you do not get guilt tripped into staying with unhealthy therapists. There are some voice, non verbal and emotional ways to check them out.

]]> By: GoodTherapy.Blog :) » Blog Archive » Why does GoodTherapy.org allow unlicensed and prelicensed members into the directory? http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1433 GoodTherapy.Blog :) » Blog Archive » Why does GoodTherapy.org allow unlicensed and prelicensed members into the directory? Sat, 07 Jul 2007 22:48:57 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1433 [...] Fourth, we make efforts on our site and in our blog to inform consumers about the difference between licensed and unlicensed therapists and how to choose a “good” therapist.  We encourage consumers to check the credentials of any therapist or counselor they see.  For example, see here: http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29   [...] […] Fourth, we make efforts on our site and in our blog to inform consumers about the difference between licensed and unlicensed therapists and how to choose a “good” therapist.  We encourage consumers to check the credentials of any therapist or counselor they see.  For example, see here: http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29   […]

]]> By: Marcia Singer Witrgoen http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1197 Marcia Singer Witrgoen Tue, 26 Jun 2007 22:12:17 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1197 From the time I was a student in psychiatric social work in the 70's, I understood instinctively that when we "label" something, name it, it "exists". I've shunned the "pathologizing" capability of psychiatric labels. With the assumed "power" given therapists/doctors by our suggestible clients/patients, identifying someone with (or as) a disease becomes their identity all too often. Only a strong, self-knowing soul could escape the pitfalls of that kind of diagnosing: I've never operated that way, and today, even try to avoid "calling someone" "codependent," etc. We must find "labels" that lead our wards to their True, gifted Selves, that empower them- and ourselves, in the process. The labels often serve only to keep people in therapy -eh? From the time I was a student in psychiatric social work in the 70’s, I understood instinctively that when we “label” something, name it, it “exists”. I’ve shunned the “pathologizing” capability of psychiatric labels. With the assumed “power” given therapists/doctors by our suggestible clients/patients, identifying someone with (or as) a disease becomes their identity all too often. Only a strong, self-knowing soul could escape the pitfalls of that kind of diagnosing: I’ve never operated that way, and today, even try to avoid “calling someone” “codependent,” etc. We must find “labels” that lead our wards to their True, gifted Selves, that empower them- and ourselves, in the process. The labels often serve only to keep people in therapy -eh?

]]> By: GoodTherapy.Blog :) » Blog Archive » Important Announcements 5-27-07 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1049 GoodTherapy.Blog :) » Blog Archive » Important Announcements 5-27-07 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:05:04 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1049 [...] on Psychotherapy, Healing, & the “People are Proficient” Movement « How to Choose a Counselor or Therapist Call to action from the Consumer Reports Consumers Union of the US [...] […] on Psychotherapy, Healing, & the “People are Proficient” Movement « How to Choose a Counselor or Therapist Call to action from the Consumer Reports Consumers Union of the US […]

]]> By: admin http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1029 admin Tue, 29 May 2007 05:39:13 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1029 Thanks to everyone who commented with feedback and suggestions on the 15 guidelines: Jennifyer, Jodi, & Karen I will put some time into ordering the guidelines by importance and adding some of the information that was shared via blog and backchannel. Roger, Claire, and others with similar comments, I want you to know that we adjusted our licensure questions to include room for those counselors who are accredited and certified. To view the changes or to adjust your licensure status log back into your profile here: http://www.goodtherapy.org/edit-counseling-practice-ad.html Thanks to everyone who commented with feedback and suggestions on the 15 guidelines: Jennifyer, Jodi, & Karen I will put some time into ordering the guidelines by importance and adding some of the information that was shared via blog and backchannel. Roger, Claire, and others with similar comments, I want you to know that we adjusted our licensure questions to include room for those counselors who are accredited and certified. To view the changes or to adjust your licensure status log back into your profile here: http://www.goodtherapy.org/edit-counseling-practice-ad.html

]]> By: Claire Asherson Bartram http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1027 Claire Asherson Bartram Mon, 28 May 2007 15:35:19 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1027 A note to say that in the UK there is no licensure or requirement that a psychotherapist holds a graduate degree. Instead there are accreditation organisations UKCP, BACP or BCP which require a level of experience and proficiency, including a number of hours in therapy, training, continuing professional development etc. These organisations are responsible for standards, codes of ethics, complaints and so forth. Therefore, in the UK it is useful to know whether a therapist or counsellor is accredited and who with. A note to say that in the UK there is no licensure or requirement that a psychotherapist holds a graduate degree. Instead there are accreditation organisations UKCP, BACP or BCP which require a level of experience and proficiency, including a number of hours in therapy, training, continuing professional development etc. These organisations are responsible for standards, codes of ethics, complaints and so forth.

Therefore, in the UK it is useful to know whether a therapist or counsellor is accredited and who with.

]]> By: Roger Macdivitt http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1021 Roger Macdivitt Sun, 27 May 2007 19:51:08 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1021 In the UK at present it is not possible or needed to register. I am a member of the American Board of Hypnotherapy which for me in the UK is all that is required. All of the other so called professional associations in this country are nothing but businesses and therefore are not any more a reliable indicator than my qualification. Where does this leave me in registation with yourselves. Roger Macdivitt In the UK at present it is not possible or needed to register. I am a member of the American Board of Hypnotherapy which for me in the UK is all that is required.
All of the other so called professional associations in this country are nothing but businesses and therefore are not any more a reliable indicator than my qualification.
Where does this leave me in registation with yourselves.
Roger Macdivitt

]]> By: Jennyfer Raden http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1019 Jennyfer Raden Sun, 27 May 2007 19:12:13 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1019 Thank you for your succinct and clear list of ways to choose a counselor. I have a few suggestions in response to your request for feedback. Based on the meta-research done at The Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change (ISTC) http://www.talkingcure.com by Barry Duncan and Scott Miller, the most important and easily controlled for element of therapeutic change is the feeling of trust and understanding between the client and the counselor. These “alliance factors” account for about 60% of the general therapeutic change. Based on this research I would recommend moving the following statement, “9. What does it feel like for you to sit with the therapist?” up to number one in your list. One thing I would add to this paragraph is that therapy should show some change within the first 3 sessions (same research set). If clients are not seeing change or experiencing some relief within that 3 session window, they may need to seek a different therapist. The second most important factor in therapeutic change, according to this meta-research, is allegiance factors. This is the understanding that the client’s beliefs about change and healing are matched by the counselor’s practice and beliefs. Based on that knowledge, I would recommend moving the following statement, “5. What’s the counselor’s general philosophy and approach to helping?” to number two on your list and changing the paragraph to include information about how the philosophy and approach matches client expectations. Research also supports a much stronger statement than number 11 about accepting feedback. Effective therapists do more than accept feedback offered by clients. They actively solicit criticism about what is working and not working in counseling through end of session commentary, written questionnaires and follow-up surveys. Good therapy requires an ongoing conversation between counselor and client about what is helpful and what is not useful. My other suggestion is not yet supported by research but based on a personal bias. I think that the following question, “6. Can the counselor clearly define how they can help you to solve whatever issue or concern has brought you to therapy?” should also be moved up on the list. A good counselor should be able to explain the assessment process they use to determine what is not working. They should be able to clearly define what skills or changes are necessary and how they will explore those skills. They should also be able to describe how both parties will know when therapy is complete. If you cannot help people understand how they are becoming healthier, you will not be able to tell if you are actually helping them. Thank you for the work you are doing to promote functional and effective counseling. Jennyfer Raden www.healthycouples.org Thank you for your succinct and clear list of ways to choose a counselor. I have a few suggestions in response to your request for feedback.
Based on the meta-research done at The Institute for the Study of Therapeutic Change (ISTC) http://www.talkingcure.com by Barry Duncan and Scott Miller, the most important and easily controlled for element of therapeutic change is the feeling of trust and understanding between the client and the counselor. These “alliance factors” account for about 60% of the general therapeutic change. Based on this research I would recommend moving the following statement, “9. What does it feel like for you to sit with the therapist?” up to number one in your list. One thing I would add to this paragraph is that therapy should show some change within the first 3 sessions (same research set). If clients are not seeing change or experiencing some relief within that 3 session window, they may need to seek a different therapist.
The second most important factor in therapeutic change, according to this meta-research, is allegiance factors. This is the understanding that the client’s beliefs about change and healing are matched by the counselor’s practice and beliefs. Based on that knowledge, I would recommend moving the following statement, “5. What’s the counselor’s general philosophy and approach to helping?” to number two on your list and changing the paragraph to include information about how the philosophy and approach matches client expectations.
Research also supports a much stronger statement than number 11 about accepting feedback. Effective therapists do more than accept feedback offered by clients. They actively solicit criticism about what is working and not working in counseling through end of session commentary, written questionnaires and follow-up surveys. Good therapy requires an ongoing conversation between counselor and client about what is helpful and what is not useful.
My other suggestion is not yet supported by research but based on a personal bias. I think that the following question, “6. Can the counselor clearly define how they can help you to solve whatever issue or concern has brought you to therapy?” should also be moved up on the list. A good counselor should be able to explain the assessment process they use to determine what is not working. They should be able to clearly define what skills or changes are necessary and how they will explore those skills. They should also be able to describe how both parties will know when therapy is complete. If you cannot help people understand how they are becoming healthier, you will not be able to tell if you are actually helping them.
Thank you for the work you are doing to promote functional and effective counseling.

Jennyfer Raden
http://www.healthycouples.org

]]> By: Jodi Blackley http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1017 Jodi Blackley Sun, 27 May 2007 17:52:36 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1017 I like the premise of what you have here. I think the order of the questions might want to be rethought as you describe the licensing process in the 1st question, including all the requirements (post-licensure experience, exams, etc.) and then discuss in the 4th and 5th questions the same information (do they have post-licensure experience? Do they have an advanced degree?). The information becomes redundant in this manner. I like the question on guaranteeing results and how you explain it to your clients. This is VERY important for clients to understand! I like the premise of what you have here. I think the order of the questions might want to be rethought as you describe the licensing process in the 1st question, including all the requirements (post-licensure experience, exams, etc.) and then discuss in the 4th and 5th questions the same information (do they have post-licensure experience? Do they have an advanced degree?). The information becomes redundant in this manner.

I like the question on guaranteeing results and how you explain it to your clients. This is VERY important for clients to understand!

]]> By: Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, M.Ed. http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-1013 Karen R. Koenig, LCSW, M.Ed. Sun, 27 May 2007 17:27:03 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-1013 As an eating disorders and addictions expert, I recommend looking for a therapist who specializes in your problem area. For example, not all therapists are skilled at couples or family therapy and you want to put yourself into the hands of the person with the most expertise and experience. Regarding eating disorders and addictions, I would only suggest going to someone who has substantial skill in these areas; a generic therapist won't do. In many geographic areas, the general populace is fortunate that they can choose from a wide variety of gifted and talented therapists in numerous specialty areas. As an eating disorders and addictions expert, I recommend looking for a therapist who specializes in your problem area. For example, not all therapists are skilled at couples or family therapy and you want to put yourself into the hands of the person with the most expertise and experience. Regarding eating disorders and addictions, I would only suggest going to someone who has substantial skill in these areas; a generic therapist won’t do. In many geographic areas, the general populace is fortunate that they can choose from a wide variety of gifted and talented therapists in numerous specialty areas.

]]> By: R Wells http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/2007/05/14/how-to-choose-a-counselor-or-therapist/#comment-995 R Wells Thu, 17 May 2007 20:05:34 +0000 http://www.goodtherapy.org/custom/blog/?p=29#comment-995 What a great resource for everyone. You provide a good service What a great resource for everyone. You provide a good service

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