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Female: Want some help picking a therapist that is right for you? Here are some tips to get you started.
Male: Over 30 million Americans visit a licensed therapist each year. Some seek treatment for a mental illness or help coping with tragedy or others want assistance with a trouble marriage or advice on how to manage stress. Regardless of few motivations, here are some simple guidelines that can help you find your right therapist.
A good first question to ask is whether you need a psychiatrist or a psychologist. Most psychiatrists and psychologist can provide therapy, but in general, only psychiatrist can dispense prescription medications. If you are suffering from a mental illness like bipolar disorder, then you should see a psychiatrist. Otherwise, it is okay to see whatever kind of therapists you prefer. You should not see a non-licensed therapist. But all licensed therapist are bound by a code of ethics which protects your confidentiality, no such ethical code applied to unlicensed individuals. Also you should be weary of anyone unable to complete the training necessary to a license.
The key thing to remember is an effective therapy occurs in an environment where you feel comfortable being honest and can trust the advice you receive even when it is not what you want to hear. You shop around for a car. Shop around for therapists also. Possibly, the best way to pick a therapist or any kind of doctor is to ask friends and colleagues that you trust for recommendation.
You note the list of two or three names of therapists who were considered very good. Then make appointments with each. It may take a little time to find a therapist you can work with, but putting the effort into finding someone with whom you feel comfortable is well worth it. Use your intellect and intuition when deciding on a doctor. When you are considering a particular therapist, here are some questions to ask. How frequently do you see people with my condition or concerns? What is my prognosis? Am I likely to be helped by the therapy? How long do you think it would take for my condition to improve?
It is obviously important that you like and trust anyone whom you are considering. But go a level deeper. Ask yourself if this individual is someone you could share something sexual or shameful with. No therapy is magic. Any therapy should promise us a quick cure, just trying sell you a bill of goods. Although some patient will feel better after just one session, most problems that take time to develop usually also take some time to resolve.
Female: Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
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