How should you choose a therapist?

This is another important question.  You can choose a therapist who works with particular problems by using a particular style of therapy.  Of course you want to engage in therapy that has been shown to be effective with your specific problem.  This builds hope, which is an important ingredient in successful treatment.  While there are many styles and types of therapy, they can for the most part be divided into two major groups:

• therapies that focus on your thoughts or cognitions, and 
  
• therapies that focus on your feelings or emotions.   

Successful therapeutic outcomes have been demonstrated with both of these modes of therapy, and thus they are “evidence based”.  However, apart from the type of therapy, research has demonstrated that one of the most important ingredients in therapy is the nature of the relationship that you have with your therapist.  Simply put, if you and your therapist get on well and work well together, and your therapist has a rationale for how therapy should take place and demonstrates this plan in working with you, there is a much greater chance of success for your therapy.  Thus, it is probably important to choose a therapist who you like!