Finding a reliable therapist

[Shadree]

TLDR: I'd like to know how to go about find a reliable therapist. One I can see on a regular basis and won't suddenly stop practicing.

I've had a bad run trying to find and keep a psychologist.

My first wanted to hypnotise me and got upset when I wouldn't let him.

My second was highly irregular. It was months between visits. When I finally had a session, there was only enough time to catch up, not discuss issues.

The latest hurdle was being referred to Psychology SA. First therapist stopped practicing altogether and started teaching. Second therapist (my favourite so far) stopped seeing adult clients. Third therapist wasn't ideal but I was giving him a try. Then, not 5 sessions is, the entire Psychology SA business stopped running.
Side note: I was told they would help but all I got was two names of franchises. Not even specific offices.

I need some stability and don't want to have to build up rapport or explain my problems to a new person every few months.

I tried the Australian Psychological Society’s directory but I can't even figure out how to filter out telehealth. At the moment, I am planning to ask my GP but they're quite flippant about the process. I could use some advise.

[Croix]

Dear Shadree~

Welcome back, I'm afraid it sounds like the intervening year or so has not treated you as well as it should.

I can't say I have a great answer, I'm between therapists at the moment, but my old one has arranged for me to see another, so hopefully all will be well though it is a great worry.

I can suggest several avenues that might bear fruit:

If there is a Medicare Mental Health Center (also known as Head to Health) near you they might be able to assist.

Often it is word of mouth that finds you what you need:

First is if you can contact your second therapist - the one you liked most, and ask them if they have a suggestion, you never know and if they now only treat children may be familiar with handovers as they grow up.

The second you are already doing, seeing your GP, though you do not sound too hopeful

The next is to try a support group - you mentioned depression and the very great problems the JW caused you. Here in the Forum we are unable to suggest particular groups however you can find a brief national list concerning depression and anxiety at the Black Dog Institute. Inquiries though the listed groups may find one it is practical to join, then it is a question of hearing other people's experiences.

While I doubt you will find an ex-JW support group easily perhaps our own 24/7 help line might be in a position to make a suggestion -I'm not sure however it may be worth a try

I wish you luck, there are reliable therapists out there, unfortunately finding them takes a certain degree of determination

I wish you well in your search and would like to know how you get on. You might even find other resources you can share

Croix

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Shadree and wave to Croix,

The way I found the very good psychologist I work with now involved firstly doing a lot of research around the kind of help I needed and finding what therapeutic approaches I connected with. I read several books and really worked at how to resolve specific trauma issues. I connected with a particular approach and then started looking for therapists who did this approach. I had to go through several before I found a therapist I connected with.

If there is a particular approach you feel may be right for you, you can often find a directory for that approach with listings of practitioners. This is what I did. After trying four people from that directory in my state none of them felt the right fit. So I extended my search Australia-wide and finally connected with the right person. So I do sessions by Telehealth which has worked fine and two years down the track I have made significant progress, the kind of progress I was hoping to make.

For me this approach was better than relying on a GP to make a referral. It is possible that a GP may make the right referral for you, but I found taking the whole thing into my own hands and searching until I found the right person was much more beneficial. With the people who weren't there right fit, I learned to not do more than 1 to 3 sessions with them and trust my instincts. I've found certain things tell me when the situation is right, such as I feel heard, seen and safe in the presence of the therapist and there is a feeling of attunement. I think that is critical because meaningful change only happens when you feel safe and free to communicate in a supportive context that is sensitive to who you are and what you've been through.

Doing an internet search can sometimes help around what you are looking for, as many therapists have a website now outlining their approach and areas of expertise. I think Croix's suggestions are a good idea too, such as connecting with the therapist you liked most to see if they have recommendations and trying a support group. Quite often word of mouth connections can be helpful from people who have been through similar situations so there may be people in a support group who can also suggest a good individual therapist.

I'm sorry to hear that it has been such a struggle but I think if you can stay focussed on what you need and persevere you will be more likely to find the right help. Remember the various helplines are always there too if you need support.

Take care,

Eagle Ray