The most important thing to bear in mind when looking for a therapist is that you are a consumer, and, as such, have the right to shop around. Some questions to ask when you are given a name and phone number are:
The credentials of the clinician – whether they are licensed* in psychology, psychiatry or social work and how long they have been practicing;
The level of training they have had in the treatment of traumatic stress and what model of trauma treatment they use. If they say, “What do you mean?” keep shopping;
The level of training they have had in working with members of the uniformed services or non-uniformed first responders.
How many first responders they have treated and for how long. (ie. there is a difference between a counselor who sees clients a few times for stress reduction, and therapists trained to do longer term work, if necessary).
As a consumer you have a right to know whether the therapist you have selected is a member of one or more of the leading associations of trauma therapists - which are:
¨ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Institute - www.emdr.com
¨ The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies - www.istss.org
¨ The International Society for the Study of Dissociation - www.issd.org
Remember: there is a difference between counselors and therapists. Counselors are more likely to stay on the surface of what is troubling you - and may tell you after a few sessions that you're doing better, even though you may not be sure about this. Therapists tend to want to treat and heal the underlying problems that are causing your symptoms - so that you will be free of them.
After (or during) the first session you should have a sense of whether or not you will be able to work with that counselor or therapist and that they know how to help you. If you are really not sure after the first session, go once more. You should know by then whether this is someone you want to work with.
Trust your gut - if something doesn’t seem right it’s okay to go elsewhere. The connection you feel to the therapist is key to getting better – while being a little unsure of what you’re getting into is normal, there needs to be at least a minimal level of trust, or at least hope.
One of the best referral sources is other first responders. Ask around. You’re likely to happen upon someone others of your buddies like – for good reason.
Don’t be afraid to be picky. If one of your children were sick or injured you would do your homework, take them to a specialist, and not be satisfied until your child’s health was restored. Do the same for yourself and demand the best. You deserve it.
The most important thing to bear in mind when looking for a therapist is that you are a consumer, and, as such, have the right to shop around. Some questions to ask when you are given a name and phone number are:
