Suggestions for Finding A Therapist
Introduction: The following is written by a
psychotherapist who has been proactive in helping alumni and the
Church address abuse issues.
There will be those who desire a reliable therapist. I thought,
because of my training and experience for the past 15+ years it
might be helpful to make a few suggestions along this line:
- You are a consumer which in this case
you have both the right and obligation to yourself to research the
provider of the therapy.
- If you have access to a computer you
might wish to search out the different types/kinds of therapy.
There are quite a few and you will be able to find out which kind
is what you think you need and who provides it.
- Some questions you might wish to ask of
a therapist in an initial session.
(You might want to ask if you might have a limited free session to
ask these questions)
- Have you had your own therapy?
- How long were you in therapy?
- What kind of therapy did you have?
- Where did you do your training and for
how long?
- Are you married? Do you have children;
how old?
- What are your fees and how long are
the sessions?
- How do you conduct your sessions?
- Any other questions you feel are in
your best interest to inform yourself about.
It may seem intrusive of you to ask these
questions, but believe me it is in your best interest to ask them.
Should any therapist become defensive for any reason, thank her/him
and explain that you want to explore other possibilities/therapists.
A therapist may have a legitimate reason for not answering one or
two of these and be able to explain to your satisfaction why, but if
there is any sign of hostility or defensiveness, move on.
One avenue in which to explore possible therapeutic help is through
an organization called: The American Association of Pastoral
Counselors - AAPC (Therapists). All of us have had to have had our
own therapy and a great deal of training, especially those who are
listed as fellows or diplomats. Many who list themselves as
"Members" are still in training but may still be very effective in
providing treatment.
In many cities and smaller towns there are AAPC therapists who will
be listed in your phone books or search for their website on the
Internet.
Dr. Howard M. Beardslee
Parent of Mamou alumni and Psychotherapist
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