I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Washington where I provide counseling for adults, couples, and older teens.
Take a look around this site to learn more about my practice, and if you are interested in working with me, then I invite you to contact me today and we can get started. And be sure to read the self-help section and my blog while you're here. -Will
My Blog:
8/13/10: Although some people view human nature as inherently cruel and selfish, we are capable of incredible acts of kindness and compassion. Unfortunately, for many people, that kindness does not extend to the self (or sometimes loved ones) as often as it does for a child in need, a stranger in distress, or an injured animal. I hope the following post can help to illuminate how to develop self-compassion, and deepen the ability to be compassionate for others.
There are a lot of articles on the web about how to choose a therapist. Most of them focus on different degree levels, types of training, titles, and theoretical orientation (CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, etc), and matching these to your concerns (relationships, depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, etc). Although it is important to be educated about these things, and you can read more about them below, it is not the most important part of choosing a therapist. Additionally, there are many psychologists, counselors, and therapists in Portland, OR and Vancouver WA with any mix of these specialties and qualifications, making the choice more difficult.
So how do you pick? I would suggest you do this based centrally on the "fit" between you and your therapist. In more detail, that might mean that the person seems competent, professional, trustworthy, friendly, and has something to offer you. Like someone you feel good about entering into a personal/professional relationship with.
Research has shown there to be a variety of reasons for this, most notably that the therapeutic relationship is the best predictor of success. Additionally, there is a line of research on people dubbed "super shrinks". These are people that create exceptional outcomes for all sorts of clients with a wide range of problems. Being a super shrink has nothing to do with credentials, experience, or demographics (age, race, sex, etc). It has more to do with subtle things they do during the course of therapy.
It is very hard to know who these people are without meeting them or knowing someone that has worked with them, but sometimes just looking at a website or materials can just feel different. They may feel friendlier, more personable, more competent, more trustworthy, more professional, or like a safer bet. This can be a nice indicator of "fit" ahead of time.
My advice is to read the websites or materials from some therapists, and the one you can see yourself sharing comfortably with and learning the most from should be at the top of your list. Then, either talk on the phone for a few minutes or exchange a few emails, and also see if the person would agree to a free 30min consultation. After this, you will probably have a good sense of whether the person will work for you. Of course I hope that person would be me, but if it is not, then I hope this helps you on your continued search.
Types of Providers
Psychologists: a "psychologist" has a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree in clinical or counseling psychology, has the most extensive training (5-7 years), and can specialize in a wide range of issues (social issues, PTSD, substance abuse, divorce, parenting, career or work problems, adolescent psychology, bipolar, couples therapy, anxiety disorders, etc). Psychologists also frequently do psychological testing.
Counselors: a "counselor" has a Masters degree (2-3 years training), is licensed (LC, LPC), and specializes in mental health counseling, marriage family and couples therapy, or substance abuse (drug and alcohol). They often identify themselves as "marriage counselor" or "family counselor". Counselors in Vancouver and the rest of Washington used to have a very easy route to get licensed, but the state has now made it more strict.
Therapists: a "therapist" is a general designation that many types of providers can use, but is not standard terminology beyond people who are licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), who fit the above description for counselor. Essentially, any mental health provider can call him/herself a therapist. You may also see a practitioner refer to him/herself as a "psychotherapist", which is also not a formal type of provider.
Psychiatrists: have MDs and are trained physicians that specialize in mental health. Many psychiatrists do some limited form of counseling, with some being trained in deeper counseling approaches. Most treat mental health issues through medication.
Coaches: are a relatively new type of provider that as of this writing, are not regulated by state licensing bodies. That means that pretty much anyone can call themselves a "coach" and give some type of life advice, guidance, or counseling, although they are not legally allowed to practice the type of counseling that any of the above providers can.
So how do you pick? I would suggest you do this based centrally on the "fit" between you and your therapist. In more detail, that might mean that the person seems competent, professional, trustworthy, friendly, and has something to offer you. Like someone you feel good about entering into a personal/professional relationship with.
Research has shown there to be a variety of reasons for this, most notably that the therapeutic relationship is the best predictor of success. Additionally, there is a line of research on people dubbed "super shrinks". These are people that create exceptional outcomes for all sorts of clients with a wide range of problems. Being a super shrink has nothing to do with credentials, experience, or demographics (age, race, sex, etc). It has more to do with subtle things they do during the course of therapy.
It is very hard to know who these people are without meeting them or knowing someone that has worked with them, but sometimes just looking at a website or materials can just feel different. They may feel friendlier, more personable, more competent, more trustworthy, more professional, or like a safer bet. This can be a nice indicator of "fit" ahead of time.
My advice is to read the websites or materials from some therapists, and the one you can see yourself sharing comfortably with and learning the most from should be at the top of your list. Then, either talk on the phone for a few minutes or exchange a few emails, and also see if the person would agree to a free 30min consultation. After this, you will probably have a good sense of whether the person will work for you. Of course I hope that person would be me, but if it is not, then I hope this helps you on your continued search.
Types of Providers
Psychologists: a "psychologist" has a Ph.D. or Psy.D. degree in clinical or counseling psychology, has the most extensive training (5-7 years), and can specialize in a wide range of issues (social issues, PTSD, substance abuse, divorce, parenting, career or work problems, adolescent psychology, bipolar, couples therapy, anxiety disorders, etc). Psychologists also frequently do psychological testing.
Counselors: a "counselor" has a Masters degree (2-3 years training), is licensed (LC, LPC), and specializes in mental health counseling, marriage family and couples therapy, or substance abuse (drug and alcohol). They often identify themselves as "marriage counselor" or "family counselor". Counselors in Vancouver and the rest of Washington used to have a very easy route to get licensed, but the state has now made it more strict.
Therapists: a "therapist" is a general designation that many types of providers can use, but is not standard terminology beyond people who are licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), who fit the above description for counselor. Essentially, any mental health provider can call him/herself a therapist. You may also see a practitioner refer to him/herself as a "psychotherapist", which is also not a formal type of provider.
Psychiatrists: have MDs and are trained physicians that specialize in mental health. Many psychiatrists do some limited form of counseling, with some being trained in deeper counseling approaches. Most treat mental health issues through medication.
Coaches: are a relatively new type of provider that as of this writing, are not regulated by state licensing bodies. That means that pretty much anyone can call themselves a "coach" and give some type of life advice, guidance, or counseling, although they are not legally allowed to practice the type of counseling that any of the above providers can.
