As mentioned throughout this book, therapy is perhaps the most important part of treatment and recovery from anxiety and panic disorders. An essential part of successful therapy is finding the right therapist. There is no easy way to choose the therapist that is going to be just right for you, and it is important to know that you don’t have to “click” with the first person you choose to talk to. Finding the right therapist is a process, but there are certainly things that can help make it easier.
Things to Look For
There are many things that you can look for when choosing a therapist, and finding someone who offers the type of therapy you are looking for can be essential. If you want to focus on interoceptive exposure therapy to help you conquer a phobia, for example, you may wish to look for a therapist who specializes in panic disorders or who specifically works with people who experience phobias.
For some people, the gender of their therapist is important. Many people who have undergone sexual traumas such as rape, for example, find themselves relating much more easily to a therapist who is a different gender from their attacker. If working with a therapist of a certain gender may hinder your treatment, it is important that you recognize this as a valid concern and choose someone that you think can be as beneficial to you as possible.
Many therapists offer specific specialties. There are therapists who work primarily with anxiety cases, therapists who specialize in PTSD, and people who specialize in certain forms of therapy or a holistic approach to therapy. Find someone who shares your basic beliefs about therapy and who can offer you the level of treatment that you are looking for.
Your First Interaction
Your first therapy appointment can be very stressful, and for some people, it can produce a great deal of anxiety. One thing that you should keep in mind is that you don’t have to delve into your traumas and your biggest problems at the first appointment. In fact, most therapists will agree that this is never a good idea.
Your first therapy appointment is much like a trial period. You and your therapist should simply converse and communicate openly. Share your fears, your goals, and your thoughts about therapy, and listen to what your therapist has to say. This appointment is largely about communication and ensuring that you are both on the same page. It’s important not to walk in with the notion that therapy can’t help, but it is equally important to ensure that you choose someone you truly believe has what it takes to help you get better. “Settling” for the first therapist you meet if you are not a good fit can make it hard for you to want to see a different therapist down the line.
A good idea during your first meeting with your therapist is to take the time to ask a few questions. Asking questions can give you a better idea of whether or not your therapist will be a good fit for you. What follows are a few questions that you may wish to ask any therapist before making a decision. Keep in mind that you can add or remove questions as you see fit.
What to Ask the Therapist
- What kind of therapy do you practice? Do you offer only individual sessions, or do you also provide group, family, or couples therapy?
- How long have you been practicing?
- Why do you practice therapy?
- What do you think can help people with my diagnosis change or get better?
- What is your experience with patients who share my diagnosis?
- What treatments do you typically recommend for people with my diagnosis?
- What are your criteria for determining when therapy is complete?
- What are your beliefs when it comes to pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety disorders?
- What hours are you available for appointments?
- How often and for how long would you initially recommend that we meet?
- What is your policy on billing for appointments I am unable to attend?
- Are you available in the event of an emergency or is there someone I can contact in the event of an emergency after hours?
- What are the fees for your services?
- Do you accept my insurance?
- Do you accept direct payments from my insurance, or am I required to pay and await reimbursement from the company?
- Do you offer a payment plan?
These questions can help you learn a lot about a prospective therapist and can help you know whether or not their services might be a good fit for you and for your needs. They can also help you know whether or not you can see yourself benefitting from the type of therapy that they offer. Financial issues can also be of concern, especially for people with limited incomes. Learning the answers to all of these questions before you begin therapy can be an important part of your eventual success.