The right question to ask when seeking help.

What makes the biggest difference is surprising.

*It is the relationship between the therapist and client!

Of course…to get a sense of how you might feel about a therapist you will have to call and spend a little time then trust your feelings. Why? Because most people don't know enough about psychotherapy to evaluate information. It turns out that more years, more degrees, more....doesn't make a bit of difference. Ironically…clients believe they have only that to go by. You will have to use your heart and soul, your feelings and intuition – and if you don’t trust those aspects of yourself now is the time to begin to develop them.

Generally therapists doing both research and teaching, and not just having a practice are most up-to-date when it comes to the latest breakthroughs - but even that doesn't necessary mean their are good with people.

Only research and teaching leads to new innovations and  more effective methods. An example is that everyone using common sense knew that stress, bad diets, lack of exercise were unhealthy and caused many illnesses. But it took the medical profession almost 35 years to start asking clients about their lifestyles, and suggesting changes. Why? Because most don't do research and rather have their patients try new medications that "big pharma researches" than to bother  trying out new lifestyle approaches to nutrition and health.

Those professionals who have a research based practice, who present their findings to colleagues at conferences and publish in order to get feedback, are the most likely to have the latest tools to help you.

Remember....a phone call of 5-10 minutes...listening to the therapist and asking a few questions is the best way to see who you feel most comfortable with. Intuitively you will know whether or not the person cares about clients.