How do you choose among hundreds of available therapies—offered by psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors—to help you conquer painful feelings, unbearable anxiety, dysfunctional relationships, or out-of-control behavior? What are the sessions like? How will you know if your therapy is working and when it is time to stop? Veteran medical journalist Carl Sherman gives you the tools to make smart decisions about getting professional help.
I tend to get anxious and procrastinate when faced with a task as daunting as finding a new therapist. This book lays it all out in a really practical fashion, doesn't stretch topics out longer than they need to be. It breaks down all the different types of therapy, advises how to deal with insurance, and just makes the whole process feel very doable, worthwhile, and enriching. And it's neither oversaturated with clinical terms nor especially sentimental about how wonderful therapy can be.
The best part of this book is the description of various types of psychotherapies as well as how to bring therapy to a close. Has sat on my shelf for a few years. Finally decided to read it when I went back to talk therapy this month.