Fraud to Freud: Finding a Really Good Therapist
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Question:
Dear Psychologist,
I have been having a lot of anxiety lately following a serious medical problem my father had, a job switch, and a difficult move across country. I will be living in New Jersey. How can I find a really good therapist to help me adjust?
Best wishes,
Julie
Answer:
Dear Julie,
It sounds like there are a lot of stressors in your life right now, and you are wise to take stock and realize that a professional could be of help to you. Trained and certified therapists can certainly help you with anxiety and adjustment issues.
There are many different kinds of professionals who practice therapy and a therapist can be equally good from any of them if he or she is talented. However, each profession brings some slightly unique strength to treating clients.
Therapist Backgrounds
Psychologists generally hold a doctorate degree in psychology from an accredited school and are licensed to practice in their state. In your case, a way to find a good psychologist could be to go to a national site, like the National Register of Psychologists and put in your zip code for a qualified therapist in your area. Articles at the American Psychological Association address the topic of finding the right therapist.
Every state also has its own psychological association, too, so you can look up the one for New Jersey. Psychologists are trained in doing clinical interviews, crisis intervention, therapy, and psychological testing.
Psychiatrists have medical training and an M.D. degree. They have had specialized internships in psychiatry. While years ago, psychiatrists used to practice therapy regularly, especially analytic therapy, now they primarily prescribe psychiatric medicine for disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Social workers who practice therapy have an M.S.W. degree and are licensed in their state. Many social workers have had extra training in a specialty area and can be very effective as therapists. Like psychologists, they are often reimbursable by insurance companies.
If you find a therapist with another degree, such as a master’s degree in counseling, they may need supervision to practice and might not be reimbursable by insurance. If they come well recommended, you might choose to try them.
Therapist Characteristics
Degrees aside, the top thing you should look for is if you feel comfortable with this therapist. It is quite acceptable, even desirable, for you to meet first with the therapist to check if you like the match. Does the therapist make you feel understood, listened to, accepted? Does he or she seem to focus in on the right issues with you?
You can also find out what kinds of theories and treatments the therapist uses, what experience they have had with your kind of problem, and what special training. Some therapists focus more on the past, others on thoughts affecting behaviors, and still others on family systems.
Do not be shy about changing therapists if you are unhappy with your experience. Therapy is an investment of your time, money, and emotions, and you deserve to have the best possible fit in order to address your concerns.
Good luck- I am confident there is a worthy therapist out there for you.
Tags: certified, psychology, therapist
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