Resources

How to choose a counselor or therapist

If there is no one safe to talk to in your life, then find a counselor or therapist. Therapists are trained to listen, and have worked with many other people who struggled with issues of grief, depression, guilt, shame and low self-esteem.

Sometimes it's hard to go to a professional for help because a therapist or counselor may seem like a poor substitute for a friend. Sometimes people feel a little humiliated for having to pay someone to listen to their problems, but talking to a therapist can often help you more than talking to someone you know. Pastoral counselors can be helpful, too, especially if you are dealing with spiritual injury.

When looking for a therapist, you want to find someone you feel comfortable with, someone compassionate and empathic. You should have a sense that this person respects you, cares about you, and is really trying to understand you from your point of view. If, after a few sessions, you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, you should point this out. If his or her response does not make you more comfortable, you should consider finding someone else.

Internet Links

Note: These links take you to other web sites, so they will be opened in a new browser window. When you want to return to Mindful Therapy, just close the new window.

Grief is for Sharing: Excellent overview of the grieving process.

Prevent Suicide Now: Suicide Prevention site.

Depression and Addiction combined: Boca Recovery Center 

Books

Grief

How to Go on Living When Someone you Love Dies. Theresa Rando, New York: Bantam Books, 1991.

Depression and Anger

On the Edge of Darkness. Kathy Cronkite, New York: Doubleday, 1994.

When Anger Hurts. Matthew McKay, Oakland: New Harbinger, 2003.

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Self-Forgiveness

A Path with Heart. Jack Kornfield, New York: Bantam Books, 1993.

A Gradual Awakening. Stephen Levine, New York: Anchor Books, 1989.