Usually, positive self-change happens with someone else's help. Change and growth is possible without therapy: a good friend, for example, might set aside differences and listen with such compassion that you see yourself in a whole new light. However, this doesn’t happen every day or even every year, so the everyday goal of my style of therapy is to create a compassionate space for growth and healing.
A warm, understanding therapist can make the process of change less difficult than trying to attempt change on your own, or with a friend or family member. It is natural to feel vulnerable in therapy, even though every therapist is legally bound to ethical behavior and confidentiality. How do you choose the therapist who is best for you?
It makes sense to take care choosing someone who feels safe to you from the start, so you may want to begin by asking a trusted doctor or another reliable source. Get names from your insurance company, look at therapists’ websites, and write down questions you have for each practitioner. Talk to them on the phone, ask questions over e-mail, and meet with likely choices. Take the time to be discriminating, so that you can be open with the therapist who earns your approval. If you need help, please visit metanoia, a great consumer site.
A therapist should be able to demonstrate that s/he merits your trust, and that s/he knows how to help you manage your doubts, discomfort, and vulnerability. Those painful feelings arise from past experiences, and they often prevent you from seeking the happiness you deserve. That is the first dilemma a good therapist will help you confront.
You can reach me at 425-462-7889, or you can e-mail me at sandy@sandramathews.com.