Most therapists treat anxiety and depression. They are the most common reasons people seek psychotherapy. So, if most therapists treat anxiety and depression, how do you know which therapists is the right one for you? A personal recommendation can really help. If you’re comfortable doing it, ask friends for recommendations. If one of your friends has had a good experience with a particular therapist, obviously, that’s a good sign.
- Mode of therapy: Some people are seeking a particular type of therapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy or play therapy. If you have a particular type of therapy in mind, it’s important to seek out a therapist that has specialized training in treating anxiety and depression using the mode you are interested in, prior to scheduling the appointment. Most therapists have detailed websites which will describe how they work. Feel free to phone or email a therapist to ask any questions you may have.
- Compatibility: Research shows that most people are comfortable with psychotherapists with backgrounds similar to their own. We want to feel understood. Teenagers may feel comfortable with a youthful therapist who they feel can relate to. If you have a preference for talking with a male or female therapist, don’t hesitate to try to seek out your preference. In order to do the work, you need to feel comfortable. You can get a lot of information about a therapist from their website.
- Experience: How much experience a therapist has can be very important. Generally, therapists get better with experience. Years of experience isn’t everything, though. There are plenty of gifted therapists who are young in their career and do very good work. Good therapists regularly consult with senior therapists to continue to enhance their skills. It’s okay to ask the therapist if they regularly seek consultation.
- Convenience:
It’s surprising to me that so many people choose their therapists by the location of the therapist’s office. Convenience is important, but it shouldn’t be at the top of the list of criteria when choosing a therapist. A good therapist is worth the extra few minutes it may take to get to their office.
About Barbara Edelman, MSW, LCSW
I am a Licensed Psychotherapist in Saint Louis, MO.
I am certified in EMDR and specialize in treating Anxiety, Depression, PTSD and Trauma in adults and adolescents and helping my clients develop a sense of peace, comfort and connection in their lives and relationships.
If you have anxiety or depression or think you may have unresolved trauma and would like to work with a Saint Louis area therapist who specializes in anxiety and trauma, please contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation at 314-780-4906 or email me now to schedule a time barbedelmantherapist@gmail.com or visit my website at www.barbaraedelmanmsw.com.
