Читать книгу Anxiety For Dummies - W. Doyle Gentry, Laura L. Smith - Страница 77

In addition to knowing the right therapy, you need to know whom to look for. Start by making sure that the therapist you seek is licensed to provide mental health services, whether as a counselor, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, psychologist, or social worker. Sources for finding one of these licensed practitioners include local professional associations (such as state psychology associations, state counselor associations, and so forth), your primary healthcare provider, your insurance company, or trusted friends and family who can recommend someone.

After you’ve found a professional who seems to fit the bill, be sure to ask the following questions:

 What are your charges for services, and does my insurance cover them?

 What are your hours?

 How soon can you see me?

 What is your experience in treating anxiety disorders?

 What therapy approach do you take in treating anxiety?

 Are you willing to collaborate with my doctor?

You should feel comfortable talking with your therapist. After a few sessions, you should feel listened to and understood and sense that your therapist has legitimate empathy and concern for your well-being. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the nature of your treatment plan — that plan should make sense to you. Most therapists take a few weeks getting to know you before they formulate an entire plan. If you’re uncomfortable for any reason, by all means seek a second opinion from another therapist. Research shows that how you feel about the relationship with your therapist makes a big difference in how well the therapy goes.