Sage DeRosier, MA, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) which is a bi-lateral stimulation modality especially suited to reduce and often fully eliminate physical and emotional distress associated with trauma (post-traumatic stress, phobias, and other highly disruptive experiences). I hold ART sessions in-office only. I schedule as a double session to allow adequate time for completion of the session and effectiveness of the modality.

Here's my two cents based on being both a client AND a therapist: 1) Do your research - read up, ask around, and take advantage of free telephone consultations. Ask questions about the therapist's theoretical focus, ways of working with clients. Ask about scheduling flexibility, and availability. Check if the therapist's license is clear and up-to-date. Ask if the therapist has positive experience working with challenges like yours. 2) While money is usually a major factor in choosing a therapist, do not let that be the primary deciding factor. Sometimes the right therapist for you is not in your insurance network. If your sense is that a therapist is a good fit for you and their fee is unaffordable for you, ask if there's a sliding scale and notice if the therapist is willing to negotiate for a win-win situation. 3) Make the right connection for YOU; this is absolutely vital. The right connection for you will elicit pleasant feelings, so notice if you feel hopeful, curious, excited, relieved, or just calmly sure. It's important that you feel a sense of safety, respect, caring, and attentive regard from your therapist. Do they make comfortable eye contact? Do they demonstrate that they are listening to you and seem genuinely curious about your situation and your goals for therapy? 4) Look for a therapist who wants to partner with and be of support to you on your therapeutic journey. Potential red flags include: a) if a therapist postures as the authority or the expert of you. b) if a therapist talks about themselves a lot instead of listening to you. c) if a therapist becomes too friendly and lacks clear boundaries. d) if a therapist attempts to push their rigid religious or political agenda. 5) Don?t dismiss unpleasant feelings and convince yourself to work with a therapist out of fear or desperation. Trust your body; your gut knows.