It's been my sad experience that getting recommendations from people who aren't good at their jobs doesn't tend to lead to people who are good at their jobs. Is there someone you know who has a therapist they like? Recommendations from other clients might lead you to someone better suited.

I'm not going to ask her for a recommendation. If I want to see a new therapist, I have to call my insurance company anyway. So, I'll call them and ask them for another therapist. Last time I called they asked for criteria, and this time around I was thinking of asking for a therapist who is part of a larger practice with a receptionist. Is that too random? I have honestly never had any luck with therapists that work by themselves. Of course I am talking about a small pool of people. I'm sure there are many fine therapists who work on their own who aren't disorganized messes.

ETA: I don't think I could ever go to a therapist that someone else I knew was going to. Maybe it's just me, but that would make me uncomfortable.

if your practice is in dealing with people who emotionally need professional guidance and assistance, would't it behoove you to communicate a bit better regarding when you are out of touch, out of town, and/or can't be reached?

Ethically, we (therapists) are supposed to have someone available to cover when taking vacations or being away for more than two days. Even then, changing the voicemail and out of office email is just expected.

It's been my sad experience that getting recommendations from people who aren't good at their jobs doesn't tend to lead to people who are good at their jobs.

This is both my personal and professional experience.

Last time I called they asked for criteria, and this time around I was thinking of asking for a therapist who is part of a larger practice with a receptionist. Is that too random?

It might be helpful to think about the kind of work that is most effective for you.

Cognitive Behavior = habit change, thought replacement, homework, proactive

Rational Emotive Therapy = Harder core, personal responsibility, practical solutions

Rogerian = Unconditional positive regard, less directive, more nurturing

Jungian = Tapping into the collective unconscious, archetypes, mystical connections

Analysis = non-directive, free-form talking

Gestalt = Holistic, taking into account all aspects of thought and behavior, personal agency

My clients tend to want quicker practical solution oriented work. Others want less input from the therapist and more 'brain dump' catharsis. Some want convenience, lower stress appointments. That's why alot of my people are phone-only.

Think of what works best for you and see if the insurance company can narrow down their recommendations.

Found this on Twitter [link] Des hommes et des chatons.

Bonny, I want CB, but I want someone who will actually remember they have me homework and actually give me a chance to talk about bit.

Rogerian = Unconditional positive regard, less directive, more nurturing

So what some people need is a good Rogering?

Bonny, I want CB, but I want someone who will actually remember they have me homework and actually give me a chance to talk about bit.

That sounds like the perfect combo to me. The task then, is to interview potentials until you find the one who agrees with you and gives you what you want.

It isn't conflict or aggressive to ask people where their strengths lie.

I'm honestly _relieved_ when potential clients say what they want. It feels just as bad to me to be the wrong helper than I imagine it does to be the person who doesn't feel good about my work.

Found this on Twitter [link] Des hommes et des chatons.

Andi, you just totally made my day.

So what some people need is a good Rogering?

Connie! Ouch.

Here is more on Rogers. I aspired to, but never reached his level of compassion.

I had an appointment to meet him on a Tuesday in 1987. He died on Monday.

Bless him.

Des hommes et des chatons.

Dang, that's fantastic! Also, how is Pierce Brosnan so incredibly hot?

Found this on Twitter [link] Des hommes et des chatons.

I...I don't know which one I like better...

bonny, I think I probably need Cognitive or Rational Emotive, because both those make me go, "eww, hard work and having to actually DO something!"

Yep. That is why they are my preference as a practitioner. I'm a huge fan of real resolution, you know?

I've learned from my own experience that you don't have to give up your stories, but you gotta stop letting them drive the boat.

I did straight talk therapy for years and years. It had real value for me, but it was not until I got into CBT and RET that I actually made real progress.

Zen, the thing about the work is that it may be hard, but it ends.