How To Find A Good Therapist In East Northport

Dec 22

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a close buddy who can help them get started with therapy, but with the correct information, you'll be well-prepared to do it on your own. Yes, it will require time and effort, both of which are likely to be in short supply while you're sifting through mounds of whatever life has thrown at you. However, the more difficult the procedure appears, the more you may profit from the end result. Even if you're a complete newbie, here's what you need to know before you begin.

When is it appropriate to seek counseling in the first place?

People frequently believe that in order to seek counseling, you must be in the midst of a genuine "emergency" — the major things like a split or divorce, the death or illness of a loved one, a job loss, addiction troubles, and so on. Therapy, on the other hand, may be beneficial at any time if you choose to be there. "It's a terrific time to go to treatment if you're thinking, 'Maybe I should try therapy,'" says one certified psychotherapist in East Northport, NY. "The more you wait, the more difficult the procedure becomes."

A large life transition, such as relocating to a new place, graduating from college, beginning a new career, or becoming a parent, is another typical occasion to seek counseling. "People still need care during transitional, non-crisis situations," says one certified mental health counselor. "A lot of folks come to sessions with a broad sense that something isn't quite right, and they want to examine different areas of discontent with where they are versus where they think they should be," he says.

What sorts of treatment are often used, and how can you determine which one is right for you?

In the realm of treatment, there are many diverse camps and many more subgroups. (On Psychology Today's website, you can find a thorough list of these distinct sorts — also known as modalities — along with descriptions, as well as a brief guide to the most frequent ones here.) Many therapists are educated in a variety of techniques, while others are highly specialized; it's crucial to inquire about your therapist's preferred modality and if they believe it would be beneficial to you before scheduling your first visit.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (or CBT) and psychodynamic therapy are two of the most prevalent forms of treatment (or PDT). Here's a brief rundown of what's going on.

CBT focuses on recognizing problematic behavior patterns (such as obsessive purchasing) as well as the negative, unrealistic attitudes that fuel them ("If I don't have these great clothing, people won't like or respect me"). The therapist will then work with the patient to replace those false beliefs with more correct ones ("Actually, people will like me just as much if I don't buy these clothing"), resulting in improved coping methods. An East Northport therapist may give you worksheets or other assignments to help you track your own thought and behavior patterns.

CBT has been demonstrated to be very helpful in treating everything from PTSD to more generalized anxiety in a plethora of studies, but detractors argue that it doesn't necessarily address the underlying reasons of those symptoms, which can lead to problems reoccurring over time.

If your problems are more nebulous and/or pervasive, you might want to try a psychodynamic approach. This is more in line with what many people imagine when they think about conventional therapy: It entails going deeper into your history, particularly your childhood and family ties, in order to better understand and resolve previous issues and avoid projecting them onto the present. PDT has been demonstrated to be the most effective treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and somatic disorders in studies (when physical symptoms, like stomach aches, which are due to psychological stress rather than physiological illness). Patience, a lot of talking, and a willingness to deal with a less regimented, more exploratory procedure are all required for the treatment.

Where do you begin your search for the best East Northport therapist?

Many of my friends have discovered therapists through recommendations from other friends, which isn't a terrible place to start. However, you should consider whether or not your buddy feels safe revealing her therapist with you. Furthermore, some therapists have personal restrictions prohibiting them from treating persons who are close to them. In any scenario, you have the option of asking the therapist to recommend you to a colleague. "Therapists typically have wonderful networks in their region, and if they aren't able to meet you directly, they may refer you to someone who has a similar approach," adds one therapist in East Northport.

There's also the internet to consider. You may probably locate a local mental health group that lists licensed practitioners in your region depending on where you reside. You may also check your insurance plan's database if you're hoping to be covered by insurance. You may double-check the names you discover in several directories (or just searching the therapist's name) to see if they have a personal website or other profile with extra information. However, keep in mind that many therapists don't have a large web presence. A lot of therapists don't have that much of an internet presence. That isn't to say they aren't competent therapists. In fact, it might indicate that they're competent therapists who are overbooked and don't have time to promote themselves.

What really is the insurance situation?

Unfortunately, many therapists do not immediately accept insurance. (They're considered "out-of-network" by insurance companies.) Depending on your plan, though, you may be able to get your insurance to cover at least a portion of the cost. "It's quite difficult for therapists to charge insurance companies these days," one therapist explains, "so a lot of them will give you a receipt that you can then send to your insurance company and try to be paid yourself."

The reimbursement procedure can be frustrating to figure out (trust me, I've been there), but it's rather simple to manage once you've figured it out. Setting aside some time, picking up the phone, and dialing the number on the back of your insurance card is the easiest way to get by. Request to be referred to someone who can address your mental health benefit inquiries (some insurance companies have special representatives just for that). You'll have to put up with the wait music, but once you get a live person on the telephone, inquire about the coverage they give. If they agree to cover a portion of your therapy costs (or all of them if you have a truly good plan), the next stages are straightforward: Simply send in your therapy receipts together with a specific insurance form once a month, and you'll receive a check in the mail once the paperwork is completed.

However, in order for your insurance to support therapy, you will need a clinical diagnosis from your therapist. If you wish to use your health insurance, the therapist must document the diagnosis in a medical record and in the billing system that your insurance company employs to handle claims. After the first or second appointment, your therapist will most likely give you this diagnosis, which you should debate with your therapist (you should also feel free to ask). If you're seeking treatment for a highly specific disease, like anorexia or PTSD, that will be documented; if you're there for less specific reasons (like I was), you may be given a more broad diagnosis, such as moderate depression or anxiety.

How should you prepare for your first session?

Once you've compiled a list of possible therapists, contact them by email or phone. If they don't have any openings or can't work with your schedule or insurance, don't be disheartened; this is why you have backups. They should be aware of your limitations, and if they are unable to meet them, they should be able to refer you to another therapist who can.

Ask about the therapist's background and attitude, either over the phone (15 minutes or less) or via email, in addition to the logistics (appointment hours, location, charge). You want to get a sense of how the therapist feels about their profession. I recommend asking questions such, "Have you ever gone to therapy?" "What inspired you to pursue a career as a therapist?" That will assist provide the groundwork for what will happen in therapy and why you are both in the same room.

You may also inquire about the therapist's experience working with people in your demographic or neighborhood. For example, if you're in your 30s and the therapist specialized on treating toddlers, you'll want to know before you schedule an appointment. "Have you had any experience with the LGBTQ community?"

It's also great if you want a therapist with a similar cultural background to yours, who speaks Spanish, or who shares your gender identification. However, keep an open mind. A skilled therapist can assist you in exploring some of these needs in a way that allows you to be more flexible.

How should you approach the subject of the therapist's fee?

Therapists are prepared to handle this type of conversation, but it may still be difficult, especially if the expenses are out of reach. Before you attend for your first visit, which you will be invoiced for (some therapists do not charge for the first session, but the great majority do), you should have an idea of the amount. Don't sign up for something you can't afford, but know that you may talk to your therapist about making it more affordable. Many therapists work on a sliding scale, which means they're willing to work with you.

Remember that treatment is a significant financial investment. It may be costly — approximately $60–$120 each session or more, depending on where you live — but the benefits should outweigh the costs, particularly over time.

If you're in a need, look for a supervised, unlicensed intern (emphasis on supervised — they should be able to offer the name of their supervisor, who should be licensed, so you can double-check). Interns are growing their practice and must complete a specific number of hours of supervised clinical work in order to acquire their license. They can be excellent clinicians as well.

Are there any red flags to look out for during the initial meeting?

Pay special attention to how you physically feel in the room when you go to your first visit. Is it a comfortable temperature? Is it possible for you to sit comfortably on the furniture? Is there a strange odor? Is there a distracting computer screen, beeping sound, or spider on the ceiling, or do you feel like you have your therapist's entire attention? Is the place private and secure? If not, discuss it with your therapist. These things don't have to be deal-breakers right away, but be mindful of your body and try to convey what you're feeling right now.

Some nervousness is natural, but try to express it as soon as possible ("I'm a bit dizzy/my stomach feels tight/I'm not sure what to do with my hands," etc.). It may seem uncomfortable to speak these things out loud, but therapists are trained to listen and respond to what you're saying. Most people will appreciate this knowledge since it allows them to assist you.

You should experience a deep connection with your therapist at the end of the day. It's a relationship, and there has to be some chemistry at the core. Your therapist should be someone you enjoy talking to and who you look forward to visiting even when the job is challenging.

"You should feel that your therapist is completely there with you during your session," says a therapist. "Unless it's directly linked to your therapy, they shouldn't be multitasking". "They should never fall asleep on you, which is something that happens." But, she adds, your therapist is human, and their missteps may sometimes be a useful part of your collaboration. "Can you talk to them about anything that disturbs you if they do something that upsets you?" And can they provide an acceptable apology or reply in a non-defensive, boundary-preserving manner? Repairing and reconnecting is a fundamental aspect of how we build trust."

How do you tell whether or not it's "working"?

"If you don't feel like you've made any progress after four to five sessions with someone, you should consider switching East Northport therapists," one therapist advises. It's up to you to define what constitutes progress - don't expect to be able to tick boxes. You can't expect your therapist to "fix" you, either. Even the most brilliant therapists in the world won't be able to shift someone's growth timetable. You also have a responsibility to try to change the relationship's course.