Posted by Emme on July 14, 2001, at 16:20:32
In reply to How do you interview your shrink!!?, posted by kid_A on July 8, 2001, at 18:12:33
I think getting recommendations is the best starting point. When I moved and needed to find a new therapist, I got recommendations. Then I asked a few questions on the phone about their
background and training, what kinds of patients they've handled (i.e. If they'd treated people like me.) Their orientation - I think it's good if they don't adhere rigidly to one school
of thought but use whatever approach helps the individual. Mostly though, I just needed to get a gut feeling about if they sounded flaky or down-to-earth. I weeded a couple of them quickly
by phone and have stayed with the one with whom I made an appt.That said, with both of the wonderful therapists I've had, we did not settle in instantly. I knew from the start that they were competent and diligent and caring and had a sense of humor. But
like most human relationships, it took a little time for us to get used to each other's styles, talk through an occasional miscoummunication (I thought she just didn't "get it",but she really did), and to build the trust you need to do the hard work.
But if you've tried a few sessions and your gut instincts say it's not the right match, then keep looking! The right one is out there.As for my psychiatrist, she is an example of everything one looks for in a good pdoc.
- knowledgable and up to date on the research
- respectful of me, makes me feel that my treatment is a team effort.
- listens to and takes my concerns seriously, even if there's no easy answer. Always willing to
answer questions.
- Compassionate. Tries to be encouraging.
- Attentive, returns calls.
- Seems to make decisions based on as much information as she can get
- Respects and talks to my therapist from time to time, especially when the going's tough. (Having a working team of a pdoc and therapist is good.)Excellent doctors are out there too. I think you can figure out a lot from the first time or two that you meet them.
> The biggest problem I have had w/ talk therapy is feeling like my therapist was a flake or had some belief system that was not within my mindframe or whathaveyou...
>
> How do you find the right one; trial and error? Thats how everyone I know has done it... I mean is it unnatural for you to ask the therapist to tell you a bit about *themselves* ...?
>
> Anyone here 'dump' there therapist because they just didnt 'get it'...?
poster:Emme
thread:7208
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010706/msgs/7436.html