Looking for a provider on websites like “Psychology Today” can be daunting: the different types of degrees, specialties and vast number of therapists can be overwhelming.
Recently, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment modality has become more prevalent on television, in magazines and when viewing online resources. While this is good, it leaves people to wade through the myriad of providers all claiming to engage in CBT. How is one to figure out which one to choose?
When looking at a website such as “Psychology Today”, it is important to note the number and types of treatment modalities listed. Ideally, a clinician subscribes to singular, or complimentary treatment approaches (e.g., all empirically supported treatment protocols, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) as opposed to contradictory ones (CBT and psychodynamic theories oppose one another).
Additionally, a competent therapist should note the extent of training in a specific area. For example, did the therapist only have a course in graduate school and took a weekend class in CBT, or was his or her on- year internship or two-year postdoctoral fellowship focus primarily on CBT?
Finally, when speaking with the therapist, a few questions are in order:
- How long, or how many sessions are likely needed? There may not be an exact number, but a ballpark (15 vs. 30 vs. 50) should be provided, as well as a general plan for treatment.
- How much homework is typically assigned? Much like learning a new language, without any homework, the CBT skillset cannot be learned.
- What expertise does the therapist have in your area of need, or how many other patients has the therapist seen with a similar problem? I’ve heard of therapists ‘learning’ on patients with little supervision, which is unethical.
It’s not always easy finding a good therapist, but hallmarks of solid CBT providers are clear: A clear plan for treatment, consistent homework to reinforce skills taught in session, and an ability to reference scholarly research that backs the current approach to treatment.