It can be hard choosing, because you could be in a lot of pain and not thinking clearly.  This causes some to become easy prey for unscruppulous or well-meaning but uninformed practitioners.  A "rule of thumb" is to be sure your therapist is licensed. 

 

Licensing  Did you know that the purpose of a license is consumer protection?  If a practitioner is licensed, you know they've been educated, trained and tested in what they need to know, by law, to help you.  Licensing focuses on making sure a practitioner is safe.  And, licensed practitioners must adhere to a "code of ethics" to keep their licenses.  For more, go to www.bbs.ca.gov/

 

Expertise  The therapist you're considering should have their professional information readily available to you.  (See "Professional Biography")   Review not just the therapist's pre-licensed education, but look at their post-licensed training and whether they are involved in professional activities.  This will tell you several things.  Therapists who train and consult on an on-going basis are keeping "up-to-date" with new findings in the field, and not stuck in one, old way of doing things.  Teaching and involvement in professional associations is often a good sign of acceptance in a therapist's community of peers.

 

What's an MFT?  How are they different from other therapists?  Psychotherapists hold many different kinds of licenses, but the way they work often has nothing to do with their license.  There are a few distinctions, though:  MFT's have specialized relationship training, LCSW's have social work training, psychologists often have expertise in testing and research, and psychiatrists (MD's) prescribe medication, and often are not even trained in psychotherapy.

 

OK, so how do I choose?   First, talk to a few over the phone.  Then, pick one that feels comfortable to talk to, and try a few sessions.  A secure and competent therapist will be willing to see you for a few trial sessions, and not pressure you to continue. 

 

A good therapist will often supportively invite you to look at any uncomfortable feelings, to help you understand what's going on with you emotionally, as you decide.  If this happens, key is, it should feel helpful in some way, and not simply like pressure, and like the therapist doesn't understand you.  Pay attention to your therapist's response to your questions and complaints.  If it feels like he or she understands you and responds helpfully, you've found the right therapist.  If not, move on.