While I am no longer taking on new clients, below is an example framework of what you might look for when working with a new provider.
Here are some guidelines for what to look for when seeking a psychotherapist to work with, or at least the framework that has guided my work.
1 - INITIAL CONSULTATION
When you first inquire about therapy, you’ll want to be sure the practitioner has an opening (or find out when they will). You might then have a brief conversation to ascertain whether it will be a good fit for what you are looking for help with. Often, there will be paperwork to complete and/or questionnaires to fill out, so that the clinician can begin to get a sense of your background and the issues you are dealing with.
2 - EXPLORATION / CLARIFICATION OF GOALS
Identification of Goals, of Blocks that stand in the way of reaching those goals, and Clearing the identified Blocks and Obstacles:
As when planning a trip, you create a map, so you and your therapist know where you are headed and how best to get there.
Psychosensory approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, Meridian Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique), and Havening Techniques are approaches that I have found helpful in clearing unresolved grief, trauma, and phobias. There are many other approaches that a psychotherapist may have in their toolbox. Don’t be afraid to ask about that. The most important foundation for good therapy is a sense of safety, honesty, trust, and respect, as you establish a relationship with one another.
This stage will also involve delving into the work on the identified goals and clearing the blocks that have kept you (or are keeping you) from reaching those goals. You may learn techniques and strategies that you can use on your own between sessions to enhance your progress. You may experience the shedding of old limiting beliefs that you’ve held for much of your life, and find relief and freedom of living life without those limitations.
It’s good to check in now and then to be sure you are on the right track and moving in the intended direction for you. Hopefully, you will be able to check off the goals you identified as you find yourself well on your way to reaching them, or at least with realistic strategies for getting there.
3 - TAKING FLIGHT
As you accomplish some of your goals, it will be important to strengthen the skills and qualities you have developed, and to bring them more and more alive in the present and into the next phases of your transformation.
You can celebrate your achievements and identify ways to assure that you can keep the positive momentum going, even after completing a course of therapy.
Comments