When I was doing therapy (engaged on an endless quest for a therapist that was a good match and could actually offer some assistance) I would usually take the first couple sessions and interview them. I read a bunch of psychology books along the way, and so I could ask them what their philosophy was - were they Behavioral? Freudian? Humanist? Jungian? I would ask them WHY they chose their profession. I would ask them if they had been through therapy and what issues they had worked on. I would ask about their experience with and level of comfort around the issues I (and my system) were working on, what their personal beliefs were around it and how that affected their treatment model. I would tell them a little about what I wanted to work on and then ask them, "How do you see yourself helping me with this?"
And I would watch myself and the people in my system to see their reactions. Did it feel safe? Did We feel validated? Did this person believe that they were going to "fix" Us or did this person see themselves as helping Us find Our own answers?
Do your own research, if possible, and find out what psychological philosophies you feel an affinity for and look for these in the therapists you interview.
I found that We got more help from Jungian or Humanist therapists, and an amazing amount of support from a family therapist who was following the Namaste attachment model, even though, technically, he was Our son's therapist. In the end, We saw 13 different therapists in 8 years, some downright harmful and others immensely helpful.
So my advice would be to trust your instincts and your system. Remember, YOU are the client, they are getting paid to provide a service to you and if their services are not helping, walk away and find something that does.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2004-05-05 08:51 pm (UTC)And I would watch myself and the people in my system to see their reactions. Did it feel safe? Did We feel validated? Did this person believe that they were going to "fix" Us or did this person see themselves as helping Us find Our own answers?
Do your own research, if possible, and find out what psychological philosophies you feel an affinity for and look for these in the therapists you interview.
I found that We got more help from Jungian or Humanist therapists, and an amazing amount of support from a family therapist who was following the Namaste attachment model, even though, technically, he was Our son's therapist. In the end, We saw 13 different therapists in 8 years, some downright harmful and others immensely helpful.
So my advice would be to trust your instincts and your system. Remember, YOU are the client, they are getting paid to provide a service to you and if their services are not helping, walk away and find something that does.
Best wishes, sending light your way!
Jess for The Khailitha Collective