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How Do I Find A Therapist I Like?
"One way to find potential therapists is to obtain as many recommendations as possible from as many people you know and trust. Visit agencies in your area that handle cases of child sexual abuse and ask for the names of therapists who have experience in treating cases of
multiple personality and do hypnotherapy. Your community sexual abuse treatment center could be an excellent source of referrals. Your local mental health association may also have some referrals.
Once you have a list of potential therapists, you can begin the process of making your choice. Determine whether you will like your therapist by watching, listening, and questioning. Your first conversation when you call to make an appointment can be revealing. How long did it take you to reach the therapist? if the therapist had a secretary, answering machine, or answering service, how long did it take for the therapist to get back to you? This is an important question because it gives you an idea of what may happen if you try to reach the therapist in an emergency. You should consider how you feel about the way the therapist talks to you when you finally make contact.
In the initial interview, notice whether the therapist listens to you or interrupts frequently. While the therapist may want to obtain certain information, continual interruption indicates a lack of respect for your feelings and for your judgment in deciding what is important. One of the most important questions you can ask yourself is whether you like this therapist as a person. Your going to be spending a lot of time with your therapist. No matter how highly recommended and qualified someone appears to be, do not start therapy with someone you do not like. In deciding whether or not you like the therapist, you must trust yourself. Trust your instincts--those vague feelings you've ignored for so much of your life."
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