How to Find a Good Psychotherapist - who will see you on a sliding scale

I am a 30 year old well-educated person who is under-employed. I have read every career book under the sun. But, I have been unable to actively define and pursue my professional goals. I know from your previous columns that my difficulties are probably psychological. I want to resolve them before it's too late. How do I go about choosing a skilled psychotherapist?

Tips for Finding a good therapist

You ask a good question, one that is not so easy to answer. I will give you my own bias. But please take it as that, my bias. You didn't ask how to keep the career issues alive and how to move along on them, while working on the psychotherapy issues. However, I think that it is important too. So, I will address it first. I think that there can be a wonderful synergy between career coaching and psychotherapy. I would urge you to consider seeking both. In the career arena, if you are living in a major city, I would seek out a career development support group. In the psychotherapy arena, it is important to work with a skilled person. My own personal bias is to seek psychotherapy from a psychoanalyst. How do you know whether someone is trained or in training? The American Psychoanalytic Association has a list, of such persons, on line. To be sure, this is my bias---I am a psychoanalyst who practices psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. In contrast to the behavioral, "here and now" focus of career counseling, the therapist will focus on helping you deepen your self-understanding and self-awareness. This can be an intense process and may take some time, which is why I suggest that you consider doing it in tandem with career coaching. However, if you work with someone skilled, you may find it to be quite liberating---with hard work, you may find yourself identifying and pursuing your dreams. After identifying the names of analytically trained therapists in your community, make a list of them. Then, ask around. If you have friends who are therapists, ask them what they know about these people. If not, ask your non-therapist friends. On the basis of that feedback, go meet with one of them. Give yourself a chance to get to know the person--and give them a chance to get to know you. Tell them as much as you can about yourself and your difficulties. One more thing. Therapy can involve a long-term commitment. If you have one of those insurance plans that only covers 20 sessions a year, and money is a problem, than look for my column on how to obtain good treatment at a low-fee. Good luck.