 |
How to Find the Perfect Counselor for You! From Barrington, Crystal Lake and Mchenry, IL
Author: Mike Shery  | Posted: 25-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 16 | Rating: (121)  (?) 
Finding a counselor can be confusing and frustrating. You have to get through answering machines and then sort through issues like insurance and degrees and credentials that look like alphabet soup.
So, how SHOULD people select and find a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist?
1. My first suggestion: Find a counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist who demonstrates concern for your peace of mind,not only in therapy but also where fees are concerned.
Some professionals will require you to pay the entire fee at each visit and then contract to reimburse you later for any amount your insurance may pay. That is no longer the standard for payment.
Get a professional who takes your insurance and only requires you to make the co-pay at each visit. That is the current standard.
2. My next suggestion is to find a mental health professional who takes a sincere interest in you as a person and does not rush. Some doctors seem to be so disinterested that they seem to push you out the door before you barely get in!
Patience is a quality that one wants when trying to find a psychotherapist, psychiatrist or counselor. You should feel that you have never had someone listen to your concerns so thoroughly.
Your therapist should ask questions that turn on a light bulb in your mind, that Ah Ha! feeling. She or he should pose important questions relevant to your situation. For example, do you stay, or do you leave? Or, how well do you express anger? Are you living up to YOUR expectations?
3. Also, this field changes faster than the nightly news. Your counselor or psychologist should attend advanced trainings regularly or he or she will be out of date, and so will your therapy.
Frankly, many practitioners often do the minimum advanced training because it cuts into relaxation time.
New treatments may appear that better target your needs or achieve your goals more quickly, however.
In your therapy, you should be able to benefit from many of the same techniques that are provided at state-of-the-art facilities like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and other renowned hospitals. They include cognitive-behavioral therapy, imaginal conditioning, somatic therapy and the cognitive and reality-based therapeutic approaches.
Each treatment method used should be skillfully applied, as appropriate, to provide the best results in the shortest period of time. This is only possible if your counselor stays on top of important changes by participating in advanced educational opportunities.
4. Look for a concrete demonstration of concern. A No Waiting Policy is one example of that. It is not a good sign if you arrive at the appointed time and then are ignored and left to wait.
It's rude too; so ask if the patients are scheduled so that they do not get backed-up. Barring an unexpected emergency, you should not have to wait more than 10 minutes.
5. Look for promptness and enthusiasm in providing you with an appointment. Run from those who have the take a number and wait in line mentality.
Under-staffed and impersonal commercial practices are not sufficiently concerned about you. They will often tell you to wait days or weeks for an appointment without giving it a second thought!
Your counselor should show concern by providing an appointment to you in no more than 7 days. If necessary, he or she should also be available in the evenings to make it easier on your kids and work schedule.
6. Also, your therapist or psychologist should work seamlessly with your insurance company to take all the billing headaches off your shoulders. The office should do the paperwork for you; after all, you already have too many things to worry about. As stated previously, you should just have to make your small co-pay at each visit.
Here is a summary of the features to seek:
1. Unhurried visits
2. An up-to-date therapist who can provide many of the same techniques that are used at The Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and other distinguished institutions.
3. An initial appointment provided within a week.
4. All paperwork done for you.
5. Evening and day appointments.
6. No Waiting Policy.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-to-find-the-perfect-counselor-for-you-from-barrington-crystal-lake-and-mchenry-il-396112.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
How to Find the Best Counselor for You!
By: Dr Mike Shery | 12/07/2006 | Advice
Finding a counselor can be confusing and frustrating. Want to enhance the odds you'll have a great therapeutic experience?
This article lists 6 no-nonsense features every person should look for when shopping for a counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist to have a positive counseling experience.
How to be Well Nourished in your Relationships
By: Brenda Shoshanna | 10/08/2007 | Relationships
It's delicious to be well nourished in relationships. There's a yearning we all bring to relationships to be cared for, appreciated and understood. Yet, many do not know what is really needed to get the love they desire. This article describes what it is we need to do and know to feel full and complete, and how we can have it all the time.
The Power of Thankfulness
By: Brenda Shoshanna | 22/11/2007 | Self Improvement
There is one sure fire medicine which cures all pain and opens the way for your greatest good. It is readily available, has no side effects and the more you take it, the sweeter it is. This is the power of thankfulness. This article shows how thankfulness is more than a feeling, but a daily practice an way of life. When undertaken much sorrow, fear and loneliness evaporates. It is based upon Naikan Therapy, which is described.
Why We Choose Anger (and How to Take Another Road)
By: Brenda Shoshanna | 27/10/2007 | Home and Family
Anger had turned into an epidemic these days. Few realize that anger is a choice we make and that it is fairly easy to take another road. This article explores the reasons why we choose anger, the consequences that choice has, and offers specific guidance on how to make a different choice.
The Effects of Divorce on Children
By: IC | 20/09/2007 | Marriage
The effects of divorce on children could be massive, but this could be helped. The most common causes for divorce are family problems, physical or emotional abuse, extramarital affairs, work stress and vices.
How to Find the Right Psychological Counselor-From Barrington and Algonquin, IL
By: Mike Shery | 12/03/2008 | Advice
If you have been considering therapy or counseling read this article now. It discusses the various types of counselors from which to choose. It also tells how to handle the first call to make the appointment, how much it costs and what to do if you are not improving as much as you like.
The Simple Truth About Falling And Living In Love
By: Brenda Shoshanna | 24/12/2007 | Relationships
We are meant to live a life of love. When we're not in love, something's the matter. Unfortunately, most of us, unaware of this, become resigned to disappointment, loss and upset in relationships. No matter how successful we are in other aspects of our lives, many do not feel entitled...
Is Adhd Overdiagnosed
By: Thomas Greenslade | 06/07/2008 | Mental Health
What should a Christian think when you are told your child may be ADHD? This article challenges the outright acceptance of the modern ADHD diagnoses. You are challenged to look at the diagnoses with the Bible with thoughtful questions.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Friendship triangle- confidentiality and infidelity
By: lilly | 22-07-2008
I have just found myself in a horrible friendship triangle.
A friend of mine has just confessed to me that she has recently been involved on a couple of occassions, with our mutual friends boyfriend which she says she is 'in love' with. Unfortunately it's not quite a black and white situation. While he is in one country, his girlfriend has been in another country for the last year and their 3 year relationship is and always has been pretty messy. It's kind of an on again off again kind of thing. The two of the them can't get their act together. She (the girlfriend) has told me in confidence on some occassions that she loves him but other times that she thinks the relationship will never work, that he is not the right one for her and sometimes she is even looking for an excuse to break up with him. He possibly thinks the same, but they talk about the potential of travelling to a third country together, and he says he loves her, is addicted to her and talks about possibly marrying her. The problem for me is that since i now know that he has been with my other friend, i have found myself stuck in the middle. A part of me wants to be a support to my friend that is 'in love', as she is very upset and distressed by this whole situation, but i don't want any consequences from my knowledge. Fyi, she has actually also removed herself from the country, so this cheating isn't going to go on any longer for now at least. She has apologised to me for the situation she has put me in which i accept, but when i found out that she told the guy, that i knew about them, i became quite angry. This girl has a very bad track record for keeping confidentiality, and i did not want either of them unnecessarily slipping to our mutual friend (the girlfriend) that i knew about this as the fact that i held onto a secret could potentially jeopardise my friendship with her. I said a few harsh words to my 'in love' friend that i deeply regret, but she disagrees with my requests as she says she is not the sort of person that could lie to someone. She has become very offended and upset that i flew off the handle, doesn't want to live through the big drama that she foresees and so has consequently decided to remove herself from the whole friendship circle. I am very upset that i have lost her as a friend.
What i want to know is, was it unreasonable that i ask that if this ever comes out, that she doesn't volunteer the information to our mutual friend that i ever knew anything? And secondly would it be unreasonable of me to request that if asked, that she does actually deny? I know this 2nd one would be deceitful, and i'm not sure how i feel about it myself, but i don't think it's fair for me to be involved, and i don't want to unneccessarily be in a position where my friendship with out mutual friend is in jeopardy. Having said that, I don't know if i was over-reacting especially considering that I don't have much contact with this mutual friend at the moment anyway. We have had a difficult relationship ourselves over the last couple of years. It is a little rocky as it is, she is overseas, has made little effort to keep contact with me over this last year which is a habbit of hers with everyone, probably will never come home, and possibly could break up with her boyfriend soon anyway. But down the track anything could happen, our relationship might get better and they could even get married, it could go either way.
To add another one to the mix, a few months ago, the girlfriend actually confided in me that she has been seeing other men overseas anyhow. Of course i have kept this confidential. I'm not sure if this is a test for herself to see how she feels about her boyfriend.
Regarding loyalty. I was hoping i didn't have to chose sides. Do i? I'm actually not sure who to be loyal to in this instance. Is it based on who is the best friend of mine at the moment?, who is suffering and needs my support most?, or who is 'technically' right? Do i really need to chose a side? Neither of these people are of callice nature, and want to hurt the other. They have just managed to find themselves in sticky situations.
At the end of the day i don't want to be involved in any of their messy relationships. I just want to keep my friends but am not sure how to do this. And unsure what compromises are reasonable for me to accept.
I find myself wavering regarding how i feel on the matter. I am confused, and am upset and offended that my friend has removed herself from me. She says this was never the outcome she intended and has acknowledged that it is probably selfish of her to do so, but is doing so anyhow because otherwise she will be eaten up internally by doing what the rest of us want her to do. If i had to chose a friend, it would possibly be my 'in love' friend because i have had the strongest relationship with her over the last couple of years. I want to try and save our friendship however she has proven to be quite volitile and if she cannot see reason with anything i say, and doesn't want to save our friendship, then i'm not sure i want to be friends with someone that cuts themselves off when they get hurt and hit a rough patch.
It would be appreciated if you could give your thoughts or give me some questions that i could ask myself to help me define how i feel about this and how i could approach it. Sorry for the long winded question.
Thank you
Abrupt end to long-standing therapy
By: MsDalt | 22-07-2008
I was in a 11 year, 2x a week, individual therapy with a psychiatrist that ended November 2007. Once I had expressed my desire to 'take a break' from therapy, the doctor abruptly ended our relationship, permenantly, in 4 days time. Is this normal? Should I have expected some form of resolution? I appreciate any input.
What is the difference between the medicines ...
By: manolis panagiotou | 22-07-2008
what is the difference between the medicines efexor and seroxat. is it advisable to change to efexor after a long use on seroxat. which of the two is the more toxic ;
How many times was Charley E Goad Married? To ...
By: goldie | 22-07-2008
How many times was Charley E Goad Married?
To Whom
How Many Children?
If i should get in an accident and need a lawyer ...
By: JOE | 21-07-2008
If i should get in an accident and need a lawyer will proformance provide me with one at no cost and will they stand by me until the case is over?
My husband wonts to have a threesom i dont wont to ...
By: candycan2u | 21-07-2008
My husband wonts to have a threesom i dont wont to , he says i am great in bed but if i am great why dose he say things like i need more ? and a threesom?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Diseases and Conditions Articles
Colon Health is the Key to a Long, Happy, Disease-free Life
By: Paul Rodgers | 26/07/2008
Colon therapy offers many health benefits including detoxification, cleansing of the bloodstream and the stimulation of internal organs. Additional benefits can often be observed throughout the body in the form of clearer skin, more energy and mental clarity, fewer headaches, with circulatory, immune and weight problems often improving, amongst many other positive side effects.
Colon Health is a Matter of Life and Death
By: Paul Rodgers | 26/07/2008
Herbal colon therapy is the cornerstone of much of our treatment for bowel conditions in the same way that endonasal therapy is the cornerstone for the treatment of ear, nose and throat diseases. To the uninitiated it might seem that the most obvious reason for the herbal colonic treatment would be for correcting constipation.
Ways Of Getting Back Pain Relief
By: Apurva Shree | 26/07/2008
Back pain can be a very distressing problem in your life. It will not only affect you physically but can be emotionally very depressing.Back pain can be a very distressing problem in your life.
Use Of Lower Back Pain Remedies
By: Apurva Shree | 26/07/2008
Back pain has now become a very common problem which can affect any age group. The pain in the lower back can be due to injury or accident, displaced disc, degenerated muscle etc. There are several exercises and stretches that can constitute a good lower backache remedy.
Use These Back Pain Relief Products For A Healthy Back
By: Apurva Shree | 26/07/2008
As back pain has emerged as the most common problem in present day, various back pain relief products have surfaced in the market. People rely a great deal on these products to get positive results.
How To Be Independent With Schizophrenia
By: Ronen David | 26/07/2008
When people suffer from schizophrenia mean the condition where a person may find it difficult to differentiate what is real and what is not
The Unnerving Symptoms Of Back Pain
By: Apurva Shree | 26/07/2008
Are you facing periodical pain in your spine, neck, shoulders, hips, and waist or while moving your hands? If yes, be careful. You could be facing the symptoms of back pain.
Why Osteoporosis Is Still The Silent Thief
By: Joseph Nyamache | 25/07/2008
Because of the high prevalence rates of more common diseases like AIDS and Diabetes, most people tend to ignore other diseases that are equally important in our lives such as osteoporosis
More from Mike Shery
Marriage Trouble: Do Not Get a Divorce Yet-From Dundee, Streamwood, Barrington
By: Mike Shery | 22/07/2008 | Marriage
Is your marriage causing overwhelming pain? Are you thinking about divorce or separation? Get marriage counseling before it is too late! Read this guide to getting the type of counseling that just might change your life forever!
Anxiety, Depression and Rage: How Therapy and Counseling Can Help- From Crystal Lake
By: Mike Shery | 22/07/2008 | Health
This article is your guide to the proven ways of coping with anxiety and rage that you will discover in counseling. These tools will eliminate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Couples Counseling: Choosing The Best Therapist for You-from Woodstock, Algonquin and Crystal Lake
By: Mike Shery | 10/07/2008 | Marriage
Need couples counseling? Not all couples counselors are going to be right for you. However, by following the sage advice in this article and by taking the time to ask probing questions, you are likely to get the perfect counselor the first time!
How to Pick the Best Counselor for You-from Marengo, Cary and Dundee
By: Mike Shery | 10/07/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
Trying to find the right mental health professional,or counselor can be overwhelming and confusing. Lists and directories sometimes make the search more complicated. This article is short, to-the-point and makes it easy to understand what to look for!
ANXIETY: Counseling and Treatment-From Huntley, Cary and Rolling Meadows
By: Mike Shery | 11/06/2008 | Health
This article explains the symptoms of various anxiety disorders and the fastest and easiest ways to treat them.
Childrens Mental Health: Counseling and Treatment-From Marengo, Wauconda and Elgin
By: Mike Shery | 10/06/2008 | Diseases and Conditions
This article provides a quick and easy overview of the kinds of mental health problems that can affect your kids or teenagers. Read about them now, before it is too late!
Women and Infidelity: Counseling and Treatment-From Fox River Grove, Lake Zurich and Dundee
By: Mike Shery | 03/06/2008 | Marriage
Are you cheating on your husband or is your wife cheating on you? Female infidelity is skyrocketing with no end in sight. This article explains the causes and what to do about it.
Counseling: How to Choose the Best Therapist-From Cary, Algonquin and Crystal Lake
By: Mike Shery | 02/06/2008 | Health
Are you confused about how to select the right family or mental health counselor? A good rapport is crucial, but it is not the only thing to look for. This illuminating article describes what else you need.
|
|
Health 
