|
From The Positive Perspective.......
First thing to look for is the individual's specialty.
Identify if their specialty fits your needs. If you want marital counseling, be sure your therapist specializes in that. Be sure the individual is trained to work with more than one person in a room if you are considering marital or family counseling. Not all counselors in this field are trained in this way. It is a very different dynamic working one on one with someone, vs being outnumbered in a room working with a couple or family. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT's), for example, are trained to work with more than one person in a room.
Second thing to consider is the person's license. You can review several state or national websites to be sure the individual has a current license including going to the Texas Department of State Health Services to search various license types, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC's) or, Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW's) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT's). You can also search the Texas State Board of Examiners for Psychologists. There are many other resources; these are just a few that apply to Texas.
Third, always read the provider's website regarding their background, life experience and how they run their therapy sessions. Be sure to check their pricing structure and insurance offerings, if any. Every provider runs their practice a little differently. Learn about this person. Does their website help you to feel connected to them? Do you feel you have a good idea who they are and what they can provide for you as well as what they expect from you in counseling? In order for this process to work, you need to feel comfortable with the clinician you choose because you are revealing many innermost thoughts and desires to them.
Fourth, be aware that some therapists may have an additional letter attached to their licensure, like LMFT-A or LPC-I. These designations indicate someone in training that has not yet reached full licensure. These clinicians may not have the years of experience behind them, but they do usually have the latest knowledge, having just graduated with a master's degree in their specialty. These individuals may be more willing to offer a sliding scale or work with you on price, as they need to accomplish a certain number of clinical hours before they can be fully licensed. Again, check their background, where they went to school and if they are being supervised. Asking these questions of the clinician will only make you appear knowledgeable and you should be respected for it.
Fifth, look for involvement of the professional. There are some national organizations, such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers, to name a few, who are reputable organizations that most professionals have an association with. Individuals will usually belong to the ones that correspond to their licensure. While this does not guarantee expertise, it is another step which shows the clinician wants to stay up to date in their field.
Last but not least, be sure you connect with the therapist. If after a session or two, you are not feeling comfortable with their style or structure of the session.....tell them. We work with honesty and what our clients give us. I have never claimed to be the best therapist for everyone, and if my client is not comfortable with the way our sessions are going, my concern is they get the help they need, whether that be with me or with someone else who is qualified.
In conclusion, I am very happy to say that I see the stigma of seeking counseling lessening every year; especially with the current generation of teenagers and young adults. When we are physically hurt, we go to the doctor, right? When we are psychologically hurting, we need to seek assistance as well.
I wish you all well in your pursuits of happiness and if I can be of assistance in any way, please let me know. As always, thank you for looking at the issue of seeking behavioral assistance ....From The Positive Perspective.
Stay well.
Please "LIKE" my Facebook Page by clicking below:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maryellen-Dabal-at-Southlake-Counseling-NC/299454466770591
| 
