Finding a therapist is almost as hard as finding a doctor. Except most people will see their therapist much more often. Therefore, finding the right combination of personality, skill, and affordability can seem impossible. Keep the following tips in mind when you pick a therapist for PTSD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quick glance at Psychology Today or Therapy Den shows that therapists often have a loose definition of the word “specialty.” Narrowing your search to people who indicate they specialize in trauma will often result in search returns for therapists who simply selected every problem there was. If you manage to find a therapist who lists 2-3 specialties, you know these are likely true specialties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nevertheless, when you see a large list of specialties, ask about a therapist’s experience and certifications. These will give you more of a true idea of their specialties. For example, a therapist who is certified in a specific trauma treatment modality, such as EMDR, likely truly specializes in trauma. Other therapists might have more generic trauma treatment certifications. However, keep in mind that no matter what certifications a person has, ultimately, these are just a piece of paper. Some people have a certification and do not apply the skills they learned at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experience is another important area to ask about. Even if someone has certifications in an area, if they do not actually have the experience in treating it, they may lack the proficiency to do it competently. This lack of experience puts you at risk of being hurt further. Some clients also prefer to have a therapist who has first hand experience with trauma. This is something to consider for yourself and ask about if appropriate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the consultation and their website to get an idea for how they handle treatment. Trauma treatment isn’t about getting in there and rehashing all the memories so you can feel better. In fact, there are many times where that isn’t even necessary. Instead, the therapist should teach you how to regulate your nervous system so that you can face every day challenges without feeling triggered. If, ultimately, it’s necessary to rehash those memories, it can be done, but within a framework in which you learn how to relax your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most important aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. Therefore, it is essential to pick a therapist with whom you can develop a trustful relationship. This is where a consultation can be really helpful. Do you feel comfortable with the therapist?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are the type of person that typically feels self-conscious with people, you might find you don’t feel really comfortable with any therapists you consult with. While this might be a sign that none of them are a good fit, it might also be a sign that its something you will want to work on in therapy. You might choose, in this case, to pick a therapist that feels less uncomfortable than the others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you know that there are certain issues that you want to work on during therapy, ask a potential therapist how they might handle those things. For example, if you struggle with suicidal thoughts or self harm, ask your therapist how they might handle a client who tells them they were thinking of suicide. If it is important to you that you have either a liberal or conservative therapist, ask your therapist what their political views are. Some therapists will answer this question for you. Others won’t, and you can also factor that into your decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several red flags you should watch for when selecting a therapist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding a therapist is almost as hard as finding a doctor. Except most people will see their therapist much more often. Therefore, finding the right combination of personality, skill, and affordability can seem impossible. Keep the following tips in mind when you pick a therapist for PTSD. Ask About Certifications and Experience A quick glance […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1874,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[110],"tags":[41,39],"yoast_head":"\n