Swiping for Therapists

Over inThe New York Times, Melissa Miller has an article titled "How to Find the Right Therapist."Miller compares it to dating, and she makes the very valid point that good chemistry helps, it's really nice to like and respect your psychotherapist, and to feel a sense of rapport.  In psychotherapy, the talking is an integral part of the treatment and the relationship itself can be healing.  So it is important in therapy that the patient be comfortable confiding in the therapist, be open and honest, and feel safe saying things that can make one feel vulnerable.Miller compares it to dating, and talks about the pleasure of comparing wedding plans with her finally-found perfect therapist.  She then offers advise on how you, too, can find a good therapist.  Her advise is awful.  Really.  It's not that some of her points aren't valid, but she starts by giving a quick summary of what type of professional you should see:Determine the type of professional you need.If you ’re suffering from ailments like panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, look for a clinical psychologist or social worker rather than a psychiatrist, said Dr. David D. Burns, adjunct clinical professor emeritus at the department of psychiatr y and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.If the issue is something more like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, sociopathy, borderline personality disorde...

Source: Shrink Rap - July 18, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Unknown Source Type: blogs