Four things you will want to know before you go to a therapist

1. Is your therapist licensed?
    Each therapist is licensed by the state where he or she practices. You can
    look up a therapist by clicking on this link: CheckATherapist.com.

    Be advised that if a therapist has complaints lodged against him or her, it
    may not be easy to find this out. It is up to you to check out a therapist as
    much as possible. Most therapists are ethical and professional, but there
    are a very small number who are not. It is up to you to do your homework.

2. Do you have a good chemistry with the therapist?
    You should like him or her and feel confident that you can discuss anything
    that is on your mind. A free first visit is a great way to get to know the
    therapist a little and judge your gut feeling about the person.

    You are looking for someone that you respect, get along with and someone
    who shares your values in important areas.

    For instance, some therapists are very structured, and you might enjoy
    working with someone who is very structured or you may not. This is what
    the chemistry is all about.

3. Does the therapist have experience, knowledge and interest?
    Each situation is different. You want to find a therapist who relates to your
    situation. For example, for marriage counseling, find someone who
    counsels couples all the time.

    If you want therapy to help you get over your fear of going out in public, find
    a therapist who treats similar conditions on a routine basis.

    Are you religious? You may be more comfortable with a therapist who
    understands your particular religious values.

4. Is your therapist conveniently located?
    You may want someone near your home or work. We feel this is less
    important than the other factors but it is still a factor.

Call today for a free  therapy consultation
415-834-1755
or email me at:
info@goldengatecounseling.com

Golden Gate counseling Center serves the online community, as well as communities in San Francisco, Oakland,
Berkeley, Richmond, Pinole, Santa Rosa, San bruno, Daly City,  South San Francisco, Burlingame, Sausalito, San
Rafael, and Santa Cruz.  We service the counties:   Santa Clara County, Contra Costa county, Marin county, Sonoma
county, Monterey and Mendocino counties. We provide couples counseling, counseling for the gay lesbian bisexual
transgender and intersex community.  We deal with addictions to substance abuse, drugs, alcohol, sex addiction,
and debting.  We also offer family interventions, family therapy and relationship counseling.
Randy Weled, MFT
Marriage, Family Therapist
Golden Gate Counseling       
              Center
Downtown San Francisco
Call or email:   415-834-1755,
info@goldengatecounseling.com
for a free consultation today!
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