The reality of modern living is pretty tasking. People are faced with a myriad of issues and challenges. Some of these are manageable while others are simply uncontrollable such as natural disasters.
Controllable issues like disappointment, emotional abuse, relationship breakdown, and loss of jobs have ranked top among the causes of mental health problems.
In New York, mental health is a critical topic as cases of mental instability are prevalent. Nine NYPD (New York City Police Department) officers have just this year alone. Even the NYPD was forced into implementing surveys requesting its officers to evaluate its mental health programs.
This post will highlight important guidelines to avoid going through a mental breakdown. May it be depression, suicidal thoughts, or schizophrenia, you can still get help. A good psychotherapist in New York is a call away, and we will give you tips on how to choose one.
What is a Psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist can also be a psychologist, licensed social worker, or licensed marriage counselor that is trained and certified to work with a person experiencing a mental breakdown.
When considering psychotherapy astoria ny, for instance, it is important to state that the name “psychotherapist” is generic for any of these professionals.
1. Look for Training and Certification
The relevant laws that regulate psychotherapy astoria ny, and in most other cities in the US specify the level of training and certification that a practitioner of psychotherapy must-have. You can request for certification before agreeing to work with any psychotherapist.
2. Seek Recommendations
Choosing a psychotherapist recommended by friends and family members is also another helpful step. The track record of experience and success rate will not only help you, but it will also boost your confidence all throughout the therapy.
3. Consider Gender
The gender of the therapist can also affect a person psychologically. That is why it is not much if you request for either a male or a female therapist. Remember that psychotherapy involves the active participation of both parties so it is understood if you request for someone whom you know you can get comfortable with.
Like for example, if you have a problem related to women’s health, such as depression from infertility or domestic violence, working with a fellow woman can be beneficial.
On the other hand, issues concerning men are also best resolved by male therapists who can give real-life inspirations of how they solved similar problems themselves.
4. Is He or She Empathic?
Your healing process will be guaranteed and sustainable if your psychotherapist is empathic. This simply means the ability to relate to what and how you feel. This will actually help you in building trust that will eventually lead you to get comfortable in speaking out your mind.
5. Consider Marital Status
Indeed, all forms of therapy work best when the patient has high esteem of his therapist. If one of the factors of your problem is your marriage, for instance, a marriage counselor will work best with you. You can learn and get the strength to carry on from their personal experiences.
Interestingly, a psychotherapist who is single in status can achieve great results with a patient who is also single as there could be many things that they can relate with each other.
Whatever the gender or status of the psychotherapist is, the best to consider is someone whom you can get yourself comfortable to share your deepest thoughts with.
