I’m a once computer science graduate now Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. For what it’s worth, I think finding someone you click with is mor

I’m a once computer science graduate now Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice. For what it’s worth, I think finding someone you click with is more than just an intuition or the luck of the draw. In clinical speak the “match” you have with a provider is called the therapeutic relationship and it’s inportant. In studies about the common factors across the board that are correlated with successful clinical outcomes the therapeutic relationship is more strongly correlated than even the therapeutic modality being used (psychodynamic or CBT as examples). So finding someone that speaks your language is important to having good rapport. But obviously scheduling that first appointment is critical. I like to make that process smooth by responding to email or voicemail inquiries within 48 hours if possible. Also the first 30 mins consultation either over phone or in person is free of charge to give the client a feel for what it would be like working with me no strings attached. I structure this as 15 mins to explain what’s going on, history and questions I have to also determine whether I am in fact a good fit for them given my own training and experience. The last 15 are for my impressions and reflections and some of my past experience to support that. Afterwards if someone feels that they’d like to continue we make this a first appointment by reviewing disclosure forms, agreeing to the terms of therapy expectations, confidentially, etcetera and then go another 45 minutes to make it a meaningful and complete meeting. Hope explaining some of my process at the onset of taking on new clients is helpful to folks in tech looking for support. In fact this is part of who I think I work well with. I’m in a major tech booming city on the west coast, for folks wanting to ask more questions, pm me.