More and more people are seeking out treatment for depression in the U.S. In the past 15 years, the number of patients being seen has doubled, to 25 million. A sizeable minority of people will battle severe depression at least once: one in four women, and one in eight men. With so many people seeking treatment, it can be hard to find the right therapist for you. How do you choose the right one?
One friend told me to treat it like a shoe buying excursion: try them on until you find a fit. Several other friends who have been in therapy have also given me some suggestions, and here are the criteria that I have heard and found useful in my own search for the right counselor.
* Good listener. Above all, you want to choose a therapist who is a good listener. They should listen more than they talk. Many patients report that this isn’t the case, and that they feel like their therapist doesn’t listen to them. You are paying this person to listen to you, don’t accept one who won’t.
* Open-mindedness. You don’t want to go to someone who seems to judge you while you are in session. This is going to be counterproductive because it can cause you issues with self-esteem and make you feel badly about yourself. If you feel judged in a session, don’t return to that therapist.
* Finds your strengths. One therapist told me that there is more to therapy than just figuring out what is wrong, you also want to find what is working. A therapist who can help you discover your strengths is helping you and building your self-esteem.
* Holds off on the meds. Many patients report that their therapists were quick to medicate them. Often, therapists wrote out prescriptions during the first session.
This is a big fast and reckless. Your therapist should be taking more time to get to know you and your symptoms and history, to better prescribe the appropriate medication and dosage.
Don’t be afraid to get help if you need it. Maybe you just need a helpful sounding board, or maybe just a little assistance to make it through a rough patch. Regardless, choose a therapist who will be right for you and who can give you the help that you require.
Refer to more writing pieces penned by this same author dealing with topics like moccasin and women’s moccasin slippers.