When we want to invest in our health, we tend to research for the ‘best’ provider. We’ll ask friends, family, and research on the internet for the most recommended provider.
If you have an emotional, behavioral, and/or relational problem, then you will want to find the ‘best’ psychotherapist. There may be certain criteria that you have already established for yourself such as:
* the location of the therapist’s office
* convenience of session times
* cost of the treatment
* gender/race/age/culture of the therapist
* education and experience level of the therapist
And another important factor to take into consideration is the long-term success rate of the treatment which is a result of the theoretical orientation and techniques used by the therapist. Does the therapist do strict psychoanalysis which entails meeting 3-4 times per week and lying on a couch during analysis? Does the therapist believe in a strict behavioral model which includes ‘homework assignments’ for you to do between sessions? Does the therapist work from a short-term model or long-term approach?
If you’ve done some research or have familiarity with therapy, you may have heard of the terms behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, psychodynamic therapy, relational therapy, expressive therapy. These are various forms of psychotherapy and the list goes on. What type of therapy is ‘best’ for your current difficulties? A therapist who is educated and trained in various forms of therapy can answer this question for you.
There are numerous studies that prove the efficacy of various treatments. The following study: Randomized, Controlled Trial of Effectiveness of Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy and Cognitive Therapy for Cluster C Personality Disorders by Martin Svartberg, M.D., Ph.D.; Tore C. Stiles, Ph.D.; Michael H. Seltzer, Ph.D.; shows how both short-term dynamic therapy and cognitive therapy can effectively treat clients dealing with Cluster C personality disorders such as avoidant, dependent, and obsessive compulsive personalities. However, this study shows that short-term dynamic therapy tends to result in slightly higher success rates for long-term change.
I have been trained in a number of modalities so I can tailor my approach for each individual client’s specific needs in the moment. Depending on a client’s problems, I may work from a cognitive approach for one problem and then switch gears and work from a psychodynamic approach for another problem. If the area of difficulty is best treated from an approach that is not my area of expertise, then I refer my clients to excellent clinicians trained in specific modalities of care.
It takes work to find the ‘best’ therapy for you. But your efforts are well worth your gains. Good luck on your journey to lasting health and success!
washingtondcpsychotherapy.com 