drmarty@comcast.net (732) 246-8484

What should I consider when selecting a therapist? The first criterion is that the therapist should be state licensed as a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Counselor. The next three criteria are less obvious, but never-the-less very important things to be aware of. One of the most important issues is getting comfortable with the therapist. Do you like the therapist? Trust your instinct. This is not the only criteria but it helps to like the person that you are confiding in. Do they seem to listen to you? You need to feel that you are not alone. All of us, at some time in our lives find ourselves overwhelmed, upset and desperate. The first job of counseling is to help you to calm down so you can think more clearly. We are much smarter when we feel like we are not under the gun. Does the therapist ask questions that are on the mark? After a session do you feel like they understood you? Next - is the therapist helping you figure out where you are and not telling you what to think. Lastly, the therapist should be giving you some new ideas about how to handle the problem. One of the biggest complaints I get from people who have seen other therapists is "They (the prior therapist) never said very much. I appreciate you giving me some feedback and some new ideas and ways to look at things" Back to Dr. Marty's Home Page