| Zep
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)
2298 Posts
Gratitude: 536
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 Posted - 03/11/2008 : 11:50:36
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What storm said so eloquently....plus I always take a list of either questions for the shrink, or important requirements - such as must listen well, must be non-judgemental, must allow me to make decisions about my treatment, etc....things that are most important to you.
I am quite open about my lists and the fact that I am interviewing *them*, not just the other way around. A doctor/psychiatrist is providing a service to *you*, not the other way around.
Good luck.
Z.
"He who has a 'why' to live, can cope with almost any 'how'."
-Friedrich Nietzsche |
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| aquamarine
Amazing Member (1000+ posts)
1238 Posts
Gratitude: 300
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Posted - 03/11/2008 : 13:05:29
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I have seen many therapists and only two good ones (my pdoc is an awesome therapist). Here is what I have learned during my experiences in therapy:
Bad Therapists:
1) Talk lots,
2) Talk about themselves and their troubles,
3) TELL you what to do,
4) TELL you you HAVE to take this medicine or that,
5) TELL you how to live your life...you get the picture...
6) They control the therapy and what you do.
7) They try to intimidate you into treatment options (meds, therapy, etc.)
8) They see themselves as all knowing and you as the person who HAS to follow what they say.
9) They are not upfront and honest with you.
10) They limit the number of sessions you can see them for.
11) They get calls, or check e-mails, etc. during your session.
12) You feel rushed, not listened to, pushed, interrogated, intimidated....Run!
Good Therapists:
1) LISTEN
2) They spend more time listening than talking. You cannot listen when you talk.
3) They treat you like an equal.
4) They give you treatment options. They explain that Depression, BP, Schizophrenia etc. are illnesses that sometimes require both medications and therapy. They are not dogmatic about which treatment options are best. They provide guidance, but not demands.
5) They allow you to think about what you would like to do and if you need a hand and ask, they help you decide.
6) They do not make decisions for you (unless you are an imminent danger to yourself or others, then they may need to hospitalize you...even here I think unless you are psychotic, or unable to see what you are doing, you should be allowed to participate in this decision)
7) They are NEVER judgmental no matter what you do or think.
8) You feel comfortable talking to them
9) They treat you with unconditional respect and self-regard.
10) They NEVER meet with family members, unless you are in the room with them and participating in the conversation.(this allows you to know exactly what they are saying about you and creates a sense of trust and a bond between therapist and patient that is stronger than even a perceived bond outside that relationship.
11) You feel like they are a team member, and the two of you, as a team, are working towards your wellness.
12) You connect with them on a spiritual, or artistic, or intellectual level etc.
13) They are trustworthy (this takes time to learn)
14) They are honest.
15) They care about you and about what they do.
...aqua
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| Zep
Incredible Member (2000+ posts)
2298 Posts
Gratitude: 536
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Posted - 03/11/2008 : 13:13:54
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EXCELLENT summary, aqua! I agree 100% 
There you go, clskrock...that should send you in the right direction!
Z.
"He who has a 'why' to live, can cope with almost any 'how'."
-Friedrich Nietzsche |
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How do I choose a therapist?
