Sometimes, one finds it easier to come to therapy with a ‘just do it’ approach by going to any therapist, starting therapy and then figuring out how one feels about being in therapy, and whether talking to a particular therapist is useful. Often, one may start therapy without being aware that there are different psychotherapeutic approaches that can help with different kinds of problems. In this scenario, it is the therapist’s responsibility to empower the client with the knowledge of whether their approach to therapy would be suited for the client’s problems or whether they need to meet a different therapist whose approach may be more appropriate for them. Some people take greater initiative to understand therapy and its processes. Having questions and doubts, and desiring to seek more information, are all understandable, normal processes. These help a client gather some sense of familiarity, control and certainty about what to expect, thereby helping them feel more confident about entering therapy and meeting a therapist.
The steps to take while selecting a therapist:
1. Ask for recommendations from doctors, health professionals, teachers, people that you know. In the absence of a comprehensive directory of mental health professionals, you can also call up organisations who work in mental health — such as de-addiction centres, crisis help lines, non-profit organisations who work with people with special needs – to recommend psychotherapists in your locality.
2. Look up the recommended therapists; many have websites that give information about their training, therapy orientation and experience.
3. If you want more clarification, ask them about their approach to therapy on the phone or in the first interview. Therapists are, and should be, able to answer your questions to your satisfaction.
4. Ask them about their experience in dealing with problem areas similar to yours and how successful they have been.
5. Most importantly, reflect on yourself and see if the therapist has inspired positive feelings within you, such as safety, understanding, acceptance, curiosity, relief and anticipation of the next meeting. Your feelings should be your guide.
6. Take into consideration the distance to the therapist’s office from your home/office. Your ability to reach the therapist every week or fortnight on time is important.
7. Ask for the timings and days that the therapist is available. Sessions are durations of 50 or 60 minutes.
If you do not have flexibility to spare time from office hours during the week, think about choosing a time slot for Saturday or weekday evenings.
8. Discuss payment. Therapists charge by the hour, and convention is that you pay at every session. Most therapists outside hospital settings accept cash and cheques, but do not have credit card facilities.
If you find the fee quoted unaffordable, ask if the therapist has a sliding scale. Many therapists have different fee structures for clients, which are dependent on what the client can afford to pay.
Most therapists expect to be paid for sessions that you miss as they can take on a limited number of clients. When they commit to a client, that time is reserved for that client solely. This should be clarified at the first meeting.
Adapted and excerpted from Healing Room: The Need for Psychotherapy
