VALERIE GODET, MA, LPP  •   (651) 214-0299  •   vjgodet@hotmail.com • HOME • ABOUT THERAPY • CHOOSING A THERAPIST • ABOUT VALERIE GODET • LOCATION • THERAPIST SHOPPING: FINDING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR YOU Let’s say that you’re ready to try therapy. You may or may not know exactly what you want to accomplish. It may be that you’ve had a fight with a good friend and you’re afraid of losing the friendship. It may be that you’re tired of the way it seems that your partner doesn't really hear what you’re saying. It may be that something awful happened to you as a child, and it is still causing you a lot of pain and sorrow today. It may be that you’re feeling overwhelmed by your many roles, as parent, partner, and worker. It may be that anxiety keeps you from enjoying each day, or that depression or melancholy are dragging you further and further down. It may be that you have an uneasy sense that something is just not right in your life. All you really know is that something has to change, and you think you might need help to do it. How do you find a therapist who can help? How will you know if you have found a “good” therapist, someone who has the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals? Be assured that all licensed psychological professionals have undergone extensive training, both in the classroom and in the “real world” and have met high standards set by their governing board. Research has shown that no one theory or approach to psychology provides the best results. What does seem to make a difference is how well the psychologist and the client are matched. Basically, this means: How well do you get along? Do you feel comfortable with the therapist? Do you feel confident in his or her ability to help you? Do you prefer a male therapist or a female therapist? Are you more comfortable with someone of your own age, or someone older or younger? Do you prefer to see a therapist who is of the same racial, economic, or geographic background? You may have other preferences, or you may just have a “gut feeling” of whether someone is a good fit for you or not. When looking for a therapist, ask to talk with her or him on the phone before making an initial appointment, if possible. Even a few minutes may be adequate for you to determine whether you will want to work with her or him. I welcome potential clients to call me or to make a “therapist-shopping appointment” to help them decide if I might be the right therapist for their needs. There is no charge for this appointment, there is no paperwork involved, and no actual therapy will be done. This is solely an opportunity for you to ask whatever questions you need to in order to make your decision.