Which Therapy approach is best for me?

Take a look at the list of different therapies:

If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need then opt’ for an Integrative or Eclectic

therapist. One who can offer you variable interventions. The therapy approach that you

finally adopt should enable you to make the changes you are looking for. Different

therapies have different styles.

For instance, in cognitive behavioral therapy there will be a lot of homework and tasks

for you to complete.

In Bereavement therapy, there would be a lot of emphasis on supporting you through

some difficult emotions. Some Therapists would look at your past. Other types of

therapist may focus solely on your life in the present-day. Some therapies concentrate

on the future.

Many approaches put emphasis on developing the therapeutic relationship between

you and your therapist. Others look at your family relationships and explore your life

as you grew up. Others focus on your thinking style and changes in behaviors and

some are a culmination of all these and more.

What is the difference between Psychology and Counseling?

You might ask the simple question, "What is the difference between clinical

psychology and counseling psychology?"

The answer, however, is not at all simple because psychology can be applied

in many different ways. Some persons who study psychology end up practicing

as counselors, some practice as psychotherapists, and some practice as

psychologists.

To make it even more complicated, some psychologists use techniques found

within psychotherapy and some use techniques of counseling…

Source: A Guide to Psychology and its Practice

Therapists usually work face-to-face employing a range of techniques to suit

your circumstances. However, with the advent of the Internet some therapists

may use a mixture of telephone, email and video conferencing.

The first appointment, sometimes called an assessment session, consultation

session or even contracting session is an opportunity to explore issues that

could affect the relationship between you and the counselor / psychotherapist

as well as your personal needs for counseling.

Will my sessions be Confidential?

Everything you discuss is confidential between you and the counselor or

psychotherapist. There can be certain legal exceptions and you and the

practitioner should clarify this with you prior to the establishment of any agreed

contract for working.

The First Contact

Therapists practice in all walks of life and all parts of society -

Psychotherapists, Psychologists, Counselors, and Marriage / Family Therapists are trained in situations as varied as: coping with anxiety and bereavement, relationship difficulties, educational dilemmas, sexual and racial issues, personal problem-solving as well as helping victims of child abuse and trauma.

Typically you may go to our web directory select your city or zip code then a list of therapist and the therapies offered would be displayed. The next step would be to call them on the phone and ask those questions like what services they offer, what are they specialists in, what are there qualifications are the registered and what is their registration number so that you can check it.

After you have finished on the call you may wish to ask yourself some of the questions below:-

1. Did I feel respected?

2. Was I allowed to talk without interruption or contradiction?

3. Were they Genuine, warm and accepting?

4. Is this someone I feel I can trust?

Remember it is your decision as to who or whom you appoint. You can always change your mind if you find that the therapist you have initially chosen is not suitable, as long as you are honest and declare your un-certainty at your assessment or contracting session or at any time during your sessions. Having confidence in your practitioner is very important and will enable you to get the best out of the time you spend together. Always remember it is you who is the customer.

What should I ask when I contact a Counselor/Psychotherapist for the first time?

Ask about the time, place, cost and duration of meetings plus any charges for cancelled appointments and holidays. You may also wish to enquire about the counselor or psychotherapist's professional membership, experience and training. During this time you will build up an idea of what is involved and you will be able to make up your mind if this is a person you can work with. It is important to be clear about what you want and what the practitioner is able to offer.

There are a number of counselors now offering an online service. Before entering into any contractual arrangement you should satisfy yourself that the practitioner is qualified in providing the service and is a member of a professional body. Although in some situations there are benefits to counseling through the Internet, confidentiality is a key concern.

For example, you may wish to ask if your notes are protected by passwords and encrypted. Are printouts held in a secure cabinet? What happens when there are technical problems or the practitioner is away? Remember that online discussions must pass through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) where security may not be a high priority.

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