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.

In the latest chapter of sleep news, I passed a BB&B on the way home from the doctor today and snagged a 'light reduction' curtain.

Now, I don't have to think about it anymore.

I'm in the first throes of a migraine...which I haven't had in a loooong time...so I'm hoping the sleep is still good.

The doctor's appointment consisted of the pod poking my toenail with a toothpick and exclaiming, "That looks great!" and then telling me that I didn't actually need to take a blood test this month.

Soooo. Why did I need an appointment really?

After the 90 second 'exam' he chirped, "See you in thirty days for another blood test!"

Yeah. I don't think so. I'll be off the med by then, so, unless the rampant improvement comes to a halt along the way, I don't see a need to go back at all!

Woot.