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eLearning Series: Mental Illness
Explain Mental Illnesses To Me
How
to Choose a Therapist
Getting a recommendation from a close family
member or friend is probably the best way to obtain a therapist.
Not unlike medical doctors all therapists have a particular
field in which they specialize. Some may be good at one field
and not at another, so matching the right doctor with the best
patient is very important. Many times your general
practitioner will can refer you to a good therapist. They would know who
has a specialty on the field you may need. Many times people
check online or go through their local telephone books to look
for a reputable therapist. When dealing with an insurance company,
more than likely they will set you up for an appointment to
see a group of three panelists, who will review your case and
direct you to a couple of well known doctors whom can treat
your situation.
They will generally have a brief interview with the therapist
to see if they are right to treat your case. It is very important
for them to set you up with a doctor that you will be at ease
with and not feel uncomfortable speaking with. Furthermore
many doctors will now set up a small interview as a getting
to know you basis so you can feel them out and they can get
a good read on your demeanor with them. When you see a therapist
you leave yourself open to perhaps a lot of criticism and can
place yourself in a vulnerable situation. They will assure
you that it is all part of the healing process so it would
be necessary for you to open up and allow them the chance to
help you. It is imperative though that you want the help in
the first place. Trust is the biggest issue between
the patient and the therapist, and must be maintained at all
times, in
order for it to work out. This must be the safe place for the
patient. Having this safe place is the single most important
place for the patient as they will be bearing all and feel
alone and practically helpless.
The emotional and physical environment must be a steady balance
and be a warm and inviting home base for the therapy to be
successful. Having everything in a calm state and relaxed the
patient is more likely to open up and find that inner problem
that must be eliminated through help of the therapist. This
will be a support group of one and will allow the patient to,
not feel obligated to open up because someone else has, it
is only the two of you in the room. The therapist will not
ridicule you or put you down, as they are there to be a friend,
and a trusted ear. You will always have dignity and self worth
when it comes to the therapist. This person that you will not
really know is going to hear the most personal and possibly
embarrassing things about you, they are not there to judge
or make assumption, they are there to help. When you make the
initial call more than likely you will not speak to the therapist,
do not get discouraged as they are usually quite busy, instead
make sure you leave your name and that you want to see a therapist,
then leave your phone number, if you do not feel comfortable
with leaving your home number leave a cell phone number instead.
Speaking with someone about your problem other than a trained
and professional therapist may be detrimental to your condition
or problem, it would be best to wait until you speak to this
professional and keep it in strict confidence, as there is
such thing as patient therapist confidentiality. It is best
that you do not leave a detailed message with the secretary
as she is not a doctor and really has no business knowing why
you wish to speak to the doctor. If they insist that you tell
them, they should be reported. Wait for the doctor, as chances
are they will get back to you within a few days anyway, if
not that very same day. When you receive the call back they
will identify themselves as the therapist, tell them that you
are looking for an appointment. Do not speak about your situation
on the telephone, as you never really know whom you are speaking
with. In short, the therapist will see you and with all the
training that they have received and the willingness to fix
the problem within yourself, you will be fast on the road to
recovery. Good luck. # # # # #
by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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