Creating Positive Outcomes – How to Find a Therapist in 2009.

Feb. 9, 2009 - PRLog -- Tampa, FL -- If you have some issues that are constantly bothering you, having prolonged episodes of depression, feelings of anxiety, or other distressing behaviors or emotions, it may be worthwhile to seek assistance from a mental health professional. Treatment can be very beneficial to both adults and children having emotional or mental stress. But for therapy to be successful, finding the right person for the job can be frustrating sometimes because different people relate differently to different therapists. There are various professional labels to choose from, and it is difficult to determine which type of mental health professional works best for an individual in dealing with emotional or interpersonal problems.

According to Creative Positive Outcomes President and experienced Therapist Christine Hardway, “Providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families, and teenagers should be done in a non-judgmental and supportive environment that promotes healing and allows for the realization of potential. However, people must understand that finding the right therapist is very personal.  Even if one therapist is successful in providing mental health service to others; that person’s approach may not necessarily be applicable to you.”

It is worthwhile to find a therapist that works for you.  Finding the perfect-fit counselor involves careful therapist evaluation because it may take time to find someone who can meet your needs. You should not just pick somebody randomly without giving considerable time and effort evaluating their background, orientation, attitude, and even therapy style. An experienced therapist is skilled in providing a wide range of services to a diverse set of clients. Listed below are some of the items that you should consider in deciding who to select. Remember that this person is someone whom you are going to be working with closely, so take some time in selecting the person that is right for you.

Here are 10 tips to find the right therapist for you:
1.   Ask around and keep an open mind when searching. Get recommendations from a doctor, a trusted friend, or family members. It never hurts to know the therapist’s style and gaining comfort level before committing yourself.
2.   Go to a licensed therapist for serious emotional or behavioral issues. The four types of licensed practitioners available to people seeking psychotherapy are psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors. Seek an experienced mental health provider.
3.   Have someone who does not try to fit the client to his or her preferred clinical approach. Also, the therapist should listen to your thoughts and be open to your feedback.
4.   Look for someone who puts you at ease and has a sense of responsibility in creating a warm, conducive, and safe environment during therapy sessions.  You and your therapist should also have a “chemistry" or rapport. The treatment will never be successful unless you feel comfortable pouring in your thoughts with the therapist you choose.
5.   Find a therapist who you perceive as intelligent, professional and an expert. Your therapist should be an experienced provider. But, make sure that the therapist is respectful and makes you feel comfortable.
6.   Pick a therapist who is supportive of your lifestyle and knowledgeable in an experienced way, to help you find the kind of solutions you seek.
7.   Make sure that the therapist you choose is a licensed mental health professional.
8.   Know what you want from counseling and your counselor. You should know where to start or why you are seeking their help. Consider where you are in your process of seeking treatment and what you need right now as a client.
9.   You should consider your therapist's location as well as his or her availability that matches with your schedule.
10.   Find a therapist that you can afford. It might just be the best investment you ever make.



Contact: Christine Hardway                
Creating Positive Outcomes                
Phone:      813 546 3567                   

Additional Resources:
www.CreatingPositiveOutcomes.com
www.TampaCouplesCounselor.com

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Creating Positive Outcomes is a Tampa, FL based provider of psychotherapy to individual, couples, families and teenagers in a non-judgmental and supportive environment that promotes healing and allows for the realization of potential. Our philosophy is therapy is a dialogue between therapist and client.