Therapy

[sun_set_bravely]

So I'm looking into therapy, and I wonder -- how the hell do you find a good therapist? My insurance covers, I think, 50% of the cost, so I want to take advantage of the opportunity while I can. This is my first venture into therapy. Any advice is welcome. Also, what's the difference between therapy and psychiatry? I feel like an anomaly in New York City, like I'm the only one who doesn't know these things.

Comments

[fifthconundrum.livejournal.com]

A psychiatrist is someone who can prescribe medication to go along with therapy. A therapist can only recommend medication, not prescribe them.

A friend recommended my therapist to me.

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

What she said.

I find word of mouth to be a good way of finding at least a modality of therapy that works. The Guest suggested the retreats to me, which are run by A., who is, as a result, now my therapist. He's all holistic without being New Age, and with a huge acceptance for weirdness and creativity and alternative-ness. I have found this to be the most crucial part, the whole-person acknowledgment.

Before that I was seeing a woman recommended by a friend whose friend had seen her (got that?) but in the interim she'd gotten all Mars-Venus on the world's ass and, well, you can imagine how that went. When she used the word, "Marutian" I knew I had to get the hell out. Also, when she began each session with a perky, "What's new and good?" I became nearly homicidal. But that is another story.

Shop around, and don't be afraid to leave if it's not a good fit. Pay attention to your instincts and you'll probably know right away. Also if you know anything about psychology it might be good to ask what school of therapy, if any, they use. There's a big difference between cognitive-behavioral therapy and, say, Gestalt therapy or Jungian analysis.

Good luck.

[microbie.livejournal.com]

I think all of the advice already posted is good. A book also recommended picking for a therapist someone that you would enjoy talking to in a social situation, like at a party: a good listener, friendly, intelligent. I think whatever qualities you appreciate most in your loved ones should be present in your therapist.

A couple of warning signs I've looked for when trying to use HMO psychologists: he or she looks nervous or seems unsure of how to lead the session, is dismissive of problems you're very concerned about, doesn't know what to think about you or what you've said (or, conversely, is quick to pass judgement), doesn't specialize or seem interested in working with single adults (as opposed to families, couples, or children).

[dearanxiety.livejournal.com]

ohlord, i'm the expert. email me off lj, though, so i remember to give you some places to start. and the name of my wonderful nyc psychologist. and some advice. it's way too late (ack! early!) to write it now.

Hello...whats my major again???

[cntrygrl.livejournal.com]

Silly...I am hurt that you didn't just call me and ask me. I can't help locate for you because you are in NY but I can definately tell you good things and bad.:) Silly dork. I still love you though...you must call and give me the run down on whats going on (giving you a lil alief talk!)