Top 5 Questions to Ask Before You Start Therapy
If you are ready to start working with a therapist, then you have already acknowledged that there are areas of your life that need work. To help you to heal what needs healing and begin the process of fixing what you feel is broken, you know that you have to not only be honest and forthcoming about your experience but also feel confident in the abilities of the therapist to meet your needs and help you get where you want to be.
Here are a few questions you can ask in your process of connecting with the right therapist:
1. Is this therapist trained to work with first responders? Your job is unique, and you need a therapist who understands the nature of your training, the demands and strains of the job, and what it is you go through on any given call. A therapist who is trained to work with first responders will have all this information, so they will not need to rely on you spending half your sessions schooling them on what it means to be a firefighter.
2. Does this therapist understand substance use disorders and/or trauma? If you are struggling with trauma and/or a substance abuse problem, it is imperative that your therapist understand both disorders. Specialized certifications and study as well as experience will help you determine just how knowledgeable your therapist is.
3. What are the therapist’s treatment methods? Different therapists specialize in different techniques, so if there is a certain style of therapy that you are interested in trying, ask about it.
4. Is this therapist willing to work with a partner or spouse? If you are struggling in your marriage or partnership, it can be helpful to have your significant other attend some sessions with you. Make sure that your therapist will be open to this experience and is trained in helping couples to heal.
5. Does this therapist take your insurance? It is a small but not insignificant issue that must be addressed before agreeing to work together. Find out what your insurance will cover in terms of providers and types of treatments, know what copays to expect, and then make sure that the information from your insurance company matches up with what the therapist’s billing department believes to be true before you get started.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
If you are facing an addiction and living with the effects of trauma experienced on the job, American Addiction Centers offers a First Responder Lifeline Program for firefighters and other first responders in need of support. We offer programs in locations across the country, including:
- Greenhouse Treatment Center in Dallas, Texas
- Sunrise House Treatment Center in Sussex County, New Jersey
- Clinical Services of Rhode Island in Greenville/Portsmouth/South Kingstown, Rhode Island
- Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Laguna Treatment Hospital in Aliso Viejo, California
- Recovery First in West Palm Beach/Hollywood, Florida
To get started and connect with the best possible treatment program for your needs, contact us at (888) 731-FIRE (3473) today.
