choosing a therapist

[harbour]

what should i take into account when choosing a therapist? one that seems to be recommended as a gender specialist in the area is rather expensive (350 dollars, which is pretty much what i make in a week...) so i was wondering if i should try for someone cheaper who isnt a specialist, i mean i want to have a longer relationship with my therapist because, well i think i need it. i first went to a councillor about it and he was gloriously uninformed about the whole thing so im kind of apprehensive that i will have to spend all my time expaining it to them. so should i just go see a normal therapist?

[stephanie_craxford]

Hello harbour,

While it would be ideal to be able to afford the best and most qualified therapist, we also have to be realistic.  We have to take what we can afford.  Personally I don't think that it is essential that you see a specialist at this point in time, it's more important that you see "a therapist", and take it from there.  You may find that a non-specialist will work for you.  There's not much point in spending all your earnings on therapy if all you can afford afterwards is to eat and sleep, that could drive you round the bend 

Just my thoughts.

[molly]

In the same vein - I have been gathering a list of names of therapist so I can beging to sort this all out.   I have two questions: 1) What questions should I ask in trying to determine which therapist to see?  2) What is an average cost per hour to see a therapist?

By asking questions I am thinking about when I make the initail contact by phone.  I would like to contact two or three to make a decision.

Any information would be appreciated.

Molly