How to find the right counselor/therapist

A good therapist will work with you, as a partner. He/she will not tell you what
to do. He/she will help you to find a solution to your problems. Good therapy is
an art form. It depends on the therapist's ability to focus on your problem in a
way that is useful to you. An effective therapist goes beyond professional
training. He/she will understand you. He/she will help you to believe there is
hope for things to work out in your life.

Four Things to look for in your therapist:

1. Do you feel comfortable talking to the therapist? After all, this is someone
with whom you will have to trust and share your most private thoughts.

2. Has he/she dealt with this kind of situation before?

3. Will he/she tell you what to do ("Aunt Sadie Therapy") or just sit and listen
with limited comment? During each session the therapist should help you to
figure out the solutions for yourself.
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A therapist is different from other professionals. An attorney, a
physician, or an accountant tells you what to do. They will tell you
how to present your case, what medication to take, or how much
money you owe the IRS.