The moment you decide you are ready to seek therapy, you are showing the world that you’re ready to address your issues and become a stronger person. It takes amazing awareness to decide you’re ready to get the help you need, and you should feel confident knowing that you have taken an important first step.
But you still need to find that psychologist, and if you live in Long Island, you have quite a few choices. Here are several considerations to help you with your decision.
Tips in Selecting Your Long Island Psychotherapist
- Therapeutic Style
Every therapist in Long Island – and indeed, all of New York – has their own specific style. Some focus on psychodynamic. Others cognitive behavioral. Still others use more experimental approaches, many of which do not have significant research. My own preference is for what’s known as Dynamic Experiential Learning. It takes from multiple disciplines, and adapts them based on your own specific problems and stresses.
- Issues Treated
Some Long Island psychologists have specific populations they treat. Others cast a broader net. It’s always a good idea to review the specialties of your psychologist and see if they focus on the issues you hope to address. Many psychologists, like myself, offer a broad range of services, including depression therapy, anxiety therapy, couples therapy, and more, but you’ll often find that some disorders are best treated by some psychologists more than others.
- Experienced Connection
One of the most important features of a psychologist is simply the connection you have with them. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a session or two with your Long Island psychologist before you commit to the rest of treatment. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t feel that connection with the therapist. From experience, I can tell you that when you’re working with the right psychologist, you’ll know, and you’ll be able to continue your treatment with confidence.
- Progress
Every treatment will have its ups and downs, because life has its ups and downs. But over time, you should be working with a psychologist that is helping you progress. Therapy takes time, and there may be setbacks along the way. But you should continue to grow and improve your personal awareness over time, as well as feel confident that continued progress will take place.
Choosing the Right LI Psychologist
Seeking out therapy is the first step. But in order to get the help you need, it’s also important that you work with the right therapist. If you live in Long Island, Garden City, or Lawrence, contact me today at (516) 732-0273. I’m happy to talk to you about my therapeutic process, or schedule you in for an appointment as soon as possible.
