Friday, April 14, 2006
Developing a Therapeutic Relationship with a Psychologist
Step One is choosing a psychologist you feel comfortable working with. Ask people you trust (for example, a physician, friend or family member) if they have a psychologist or other therapist they would recommend. You can also call local referral services, such as those provided by the San Diego Psychological Association’s Psychologist Information and Referral Service (for more information see the back of this brochure). Gather the names and contact information of several psychologists who you think might be of help.
Step Two is to contact the psychologists whose information you have collected. Be an informed consumer. Call several different psychologists to get an idea of the services they provide. You can then schedule a preliminary session to meet with a psychologist you feel can meet your needs. It can sometimes be helpful to have an initial consultation with up to three different psychologists to help you choose one psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who understands the problems you are experiencing.
Step Three, after choosing one psychologist you feel comfortable with, give yourself time to get acquainted with the therapy process. Initially it may feel awkward disclosing personal information to your new psychologist, but over a few sessions you will likely feel more at ease. You may start to see changes in your life immediately, since the supportive environment a psychologist can provide may ease the stress in your daily life. Other problems can take some time to begin to resolve themselves. The length of therapy varies widely, and will depend on your particular needs and situation.
Gregory Koch, Psy.D.
CompassionateHelp.com
Step Two is to contact the psychologists whose information you have collected. Be an informed consumer. Call several different psychologists to get an idea of the services they provide. You can then schedule a preliminary session to meet with a psychologist you feel can meet your needs. It can sometimes be helpful to have an initial consultation with up to three different psychologists to help you choose one psychologist with whom you feel comfortable and who understands the problems you are experiencing.
Step Three, after choosing one psychologist you feel comfortable with, give yourself time to get acquainted with the therapy process. Initially it may feel awkward disclosing personal information to your new psychologist, but over a few sessions you will likely feel more at ease. You may start to see changes in your life immediately, since the supportive environment a psychologist can provide may ease the stress in your daily life. Other problems can take some time to begin to resolve themselves. The length of therapy varies widely, and will depend on your particular needs and situation.
Gregory Koch, Psy.D.
CompassionateHelp.com
