Joe* came to see me for an initial session with a short newspaper article that I had written in his hand. "After I read this article, I knew I wanted to see you." I looked at the article, knowing that it was old. "When did you cut this out?" I asked. "Two years ago," said Joe. "I just got up the nerve to call you now."
Joe's story is not unique. Many people are anxious about seeking help. In fact, it's quite normal to feel anxious, confused and a bit overwhelmed when seeking therapy for the first time because it is an "unknown," you may not know what therapy is like.
Many people that call me have anxiety about asking simple questions about the basic structure of therapy, such as how long a psychotherapy session lasts (it depends, although the average is about 45-50 minutes). Others do not know the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist (Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication). So, if the process of therapy seems a bit of a mystery to you, you're not alone! Today I'm going to address a few of the common questions that people have once they have decided to seek therapy with the hopes that it will alleviate some anxiety for some of you!
How do I go about finding a Therapist?
These days, most of my clients find me on the internet. The internet has revolutionized that way people find therapists, because no longer are you picking a small name out of a large phonebook, but you can find real valuable information. There are several popular websites to look for therapists:
Psychology Today (PT): This site has a large directory of many types of therapists all over the country. Most therapists post their picture and write a profile that describes how they work, so you can get an immediate first impression of what a therapist might be like. Some of these therapists have an email contact (while others do not) so that you could email some of your initial questions.
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA): If you're looking for someone who specializes in treating anxiety, this might be a quicker way to find that person. There's generally less information on this site about individual therapists, but everyone listed on the site is a member of ADAA and therefore has an interest in treating the anxiety disorders (although they are not screened for their actual amount of training/expertise in this area).
Christian Psychology Resources (CPR): For those who are specifically looking for a therapist with a Christian faith, CPR is a unique site that is growing by the month. Again it is nationwide, but is not nearly as large as Psychology Today.
Another way to find a therapist is through a personal referral. This means you have to ask someone you know if they know of any good therapists. The downside is that is that it is difficult for some people to ask this kind of question. The benefit, however, is that many people feel confident (and therefore less anxious) about a referral that comes from someone they trust.
