How do I find a good therapist?
If you are looking for a high-quality therapist, you should keep five things in mind: years of successful experience, level of training and education, specialties, availability, and sense of trust or comfort. The number of years a therapist has been in practice will tell you how experienced he/she is at working with many psychological issues, and conducting a successful private practice over many years is a good indication the therapist likely has an excellent reputation. Doctoral (Ph.D.) level and Masters level practitioners work in the field of psychology, but Doctoral level education involves considerably more training. Usually therapists will advertise the issues and types of therapy in which they specialize, such as Depression or Couples Therapy. Convenience of office hours and location, and acceptance of your insurance, are also important things to keep in mind when seeking a therapist who will meet your needs.

Assuming a therapist has met your first four criteria, what you experience personally in your first meeting with him or her is the most important determinant of whether you will work well with that person. If you feel uncomfortable or mistrusting, continue your search elsewhere. Some initial discomfort may be normal, but you will likely sense if the therapist just doesn't seem to fit you. If the therapist helps you feel at ease, seems approachable, knowledgeable, and is a good listener, then you have likely found a good therapist for yourself.

What should I expect in therapy?
In our first meeting, I will ask you to describe what brings you to therapy, and if there was a particular event which caused you to seek it now. After a full description, I will ask you what you would like to accomplish in therapy, and we will work together to clearly define your goals. In the following weeks (usually weekly therapy is the most effective), I will help you stay focused on these goals, often suggesting "homework” you may do between sessions to speed the therapy process. Depending on the complexity of the therapeutic issues and the client's commitment to working in therapy, the length of therapy can vary from two months to a year or more.

How does therapy work?
Psychotherapy has worked well for millions of people over the years, and there have been numerous research studies attempting to understand the why and how of effective therapy. Generally, therapy works by offering excellent and caring listening combined with the professional know-how to offer knowledgeable feedback and suggestions. This helps the client understand him or herself better, and use this understanding to problem-solve or change.