Nancy Nigro, MSW, RSW, RCC
Excerpts from an article by David Layton, Toronto free-lance writer
Seeing a therapist invariably involves spending a sizeable amount of time sharing very personal matters with someone who is, after all, a stranger. And according to Nancy Nigro, a psychotherapist in private practice, there are therapists out there who "do not have the training and have not done their own personal work." This statement should not be taken as a condemnation of the profession nor cause any undue concern. Simply keep in mind that, as with any other profession, be it auto mechanic or lawyer, a measure of intelligent caution should be used when looking for a therapist. Make sure you take the time to ask the right questions before you make a decision...
Trust your gut feeling. Is this someone who creates a comfortable and confidential atmosphere to talk about things that are going to be difficult? Do you feel respected?...
Just like any other specialist in the medical profession you should expect some feedback on what's wrong. Did you get an answer? Remember that nobody's life is so obvious that it can be completely summed up in an hour but you should feel that there is some form of sensitive investigation or inquiry going on.
At the end of the visit ask yourself if you feel better than when you came in. Your gut feeling will tell your whether it was time well spent, or it wasn't.