Question: How do I know if Dr. Daley is the right psychologist for me?

Answer: There are many factors to consider, and, frankly, you are not going to know if the “fit” is right for several sessions.

There are some issues you should consider. 1) Do you care about whether you see a male or female therapist? 2) Do you care about your therapist’s “seasoning” (Dr. Daley has been in practice for over 40 years)? 3) Do you care about the approach your therapist uses in therapy (Dr. Daley’s approach is better thought of as “solution-focused” than “depth focused”)? In truth, though, while you can gain a great deal of information about the “fit” between you and a therapist, the issue of “fit” has more to do with how hard you dig in and work at your issues than anything to do with the “match” with Dr. Daley’s style. Make the trial appointment, and see how the “fit” feels, but in the end, you are going to have to work hard in therapy to gain anything, no matter which therapist you choose.

Question: I’m worried about a friend or a loved one. Can I refer them to Dr. Daley?

Answer: Yes and no. You may certainly suggest that your friend or loved one call and make an appointment, but be aware: in general, the wisdom of a friend or loved one seeing the same therapist as you see hinges on how close your relationship with them is. For couples, “adding in” the spouse only works if it is from the very beginning (within two sessions). For friends, it depends on how close your relationship with them is. If your friend is a “drinkin’ buddy” there will likely be no problem in both of you seeing Dr. Daley. If your “friend” is your secret lover, there is no way that Dr. Daley seeing you both will work. Nobody ever believes it, but the complications and woes that arise from “adding in” loved ones or very close friends are so common and frequent that it is just not a good idea.

Question: What is a therapy session like? What can I expect during sessions with Dr. Daley?

Answer: Dr. Daley’s approach is to let you decide the direction of each session. He often starts with, “what would you like to work on today?” or “how goes the effort to have a pretty dang good life when God or Darwin or Buddha or Allah or Mother Natures makes having a pretty dang good life so hard?” Then, together, you and he will explore ways that you might change the way you think, feel, and/or act to improve your life. 

Question: I’ve decided that therapy is not the right option for me. What other treatment options would you recommend?

Answer: Your PCP (or Primary Care Provider) can prescribe medications or refer you to a specialist who can prescribe medications. Some religions have counselor and religion-based approaches to mental health problems. Doing nothing, as one might do for an ache or pain, might turn out, in the long run, to be a wise or a foolish choice – only time will tell. You could try having weekly appointments with your friends/family. Exercise helps. Medication often helps. Healthy living helps. Assertiveness helps. Making wise choices “from here on out” helps.

Do you have a question we didn’t cover? Feel free to email us at pcd@olypen.com or call our Port Angeles office at (360) 452-4345, our Arlington office at (425) 345-9351, or our Port Orchard office at (360) 797-2349.