Research suggests that psychotherapy is an important part of panic disorder treatment. Many qualified therapists are available, but being qualified doesn’t, necessarily, translate to a good fit for every individual. Choosing the right therapist is not an easy, clear-cut decision. Making this choice is a personal experience, based on your own needs and characteristics.
Research has repeatedly shown that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the most important factor in producing a positive therapy experience. You must be able to build a therapeutic alliance with your therapist in order for therapy to work. First and foremost, you have to feel comfortable and safe so that trust may be established. These factors are the foundation from which a therapeutic relationship is built. If one of these essential elements is lacking, the benefits of treatment are compromised.
Identifying what you need to feel safe and comfortable in a therapeutic relationship is individual. But, before choosing a therapist, there are some general points you may want to consider:
- Does the gender of my therapist matter? Am I just as comfortable talking about personal issues with a male or a female therapist?
- Do you believe it is necessary that you share common values and beliefs with your therapist? For example, therapy may not be very effective if you are not a particularly religious person, seeing a pastoral counselor who promotes healing through the power of prayer.
- Does the therapist appear culturally competent? A culturally competent therapist understands you in relation to your individual culture, values and experiences. This does not mean that the therapist must share your cultural background or that he or she stereotypes you based on your personal characteristics. It does mean that you feel confident that your therapist is able to recognize, understand, and value your particular life issues or challenges.
- Is the therapist licensed, certified or registered? Licensure, certification or registration is not a guarantee of competence. However, if the therapist has at least one of these credentials, he or she has probably passed some sort of comprehensive examination and has met certain educational requirements and supervised clinical experience. This would verify that this person has, at least, the knowledge necessary to be an effective therapist. It is probably wise to avoid a therapist or counselor who is practicing independently and who does not have at least licensure, certification or registration.
- How many years of experience does this therapist have in treating my illness? Is this experience recent? Most research shows a strong correlation between good treatment outcomes and the therapist’s years of experience.
- What is this therapist’s theoretical orientation? A therapist’s theoretical orientation will determine his or her approach to, and techniques used in, treatment. It represents the therapist’s basic underlying belief system about the cause and cure of human problems. For example, the American Psychiatric Association suggests a form of psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective for treating panic disorder. If your therapist indicates his or her orientation is a cognitive-behavioral approach, he or she is focusing on the importance of both behavioral and thought processes in understanding and controlling anxiety and panic attacks. The focus of treatment is on inadequate, obstructive, and damaging behaviors and irrational thought processes that contribute to the continuation of symptoms.
Several studies have shown panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy is also effective in treating panic disorder. If your therapist uses a psychodynamic approach, the focus of treatment is to help you become aware of your unconscious conflicts and fantasies, and to help you to identify the defense mechanisms that are influencing the continuation of your symptoms.
Of course, this list is just the beginning. It is a first step in finding a therapist with whom you will “click” and be able to build a strong therapeutic alliance. But, other considerations beyond your control will, likely, play a key part in your choice. For example, the therapist’s fees, location and availability will also influence your decision. Your medical insurance plan requirements may also dictate whom you can see and for how long.
Source:
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. May 5, 2008. Finding a Therapist.
