ask questions, research, read, and learn as much as you can about cognitivetherapy and other psychotherapy orientations, if you wish. This does not maketherapy more difficult. It makes your participation in therapy more informed andeffective.
refuse to answer any question at any time during therapy. You are in control.
confidentiality. The only exceptions involve certain violations of the law or the potential for life-threatening danger to you or others. Ask your therapist about this.
ethical and professional conduct from your therapist. Your relationship with your therapist is like that with no one else – expect and demand proper behavior at all times.
end therapy at any time for any reason.
Some questions to ask your therapist:
What is the highest degree they obtained? When, and where?
What extra supervision, specialized training, or skills have they obtained? When, and where?
How did they become a Cognitive Therapist?
What continuing education has the therapist received in psychology in general, and cognitive therapy in particular? When and where?
Where are the diplomas, certificates or other evidence of the therapist’s education, training, and continuing education programs?
Some questions to ask the therapist about your case:
What is my diagnosis? Why?
What is my prognosis?
What program of treatment are you recommending for me? Why?
How long, in general terms, is therapy likely to last?
Who will decide when treatment is successful or finished, and how?
What are your fees?
Some things to remember about your therapy:
You are in charge.
In Cognitive Therapy, you are responsible for your physical and mental health – not the therapist. You must be aware of and in agreement with all aspects of therapy. You can’t surrender yourself to the therapist’s judgment.
If you are unhappy with your therapist at any time for any reason, you have the right to end treatment and find another therapist.
Should your therapist decline to answer your questions about their qualifications, or can’t offer evidence of those qualifications – get another therapist.
If your therapist feels it is unnecessary or beneath their dignity to respond to your questions about their qualifications – get another therapist. The therapy is about your health – not your therapist’s insecurities.
If your therapist says that, for any reason, they no longer need continuing education – that they have learned everything or only gives, does not get, training – get another therapist. A truly conscientious, professional psychotherapist constantly seeks out extra training, experience, and insight wherever it can be found, to keep and increase the ability to give the best possible care for their patients. This never ends. Even the founder of Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Aaron Beck, always continuously conducted new research. He also genuinely welcomed and learned from the research conducted by others about cognitive therapy.
Remember your patient rights: You are in charge. The therapy is being conducted for your advantage. Make sure it is performing that role. Ask, question, insist. Develop confidence in your therapist and therapy based on informed knowledge – not on blind faith. You are in control of your progress. Your cognitive therapist is your guide and partner in that journey – but it is your journey. You are in control of it.
