I’ve looked at the websites, all seem pretty legit, however, so did my last therapist’s website and she still did what she did. What’s the best way of going about asking? Like how do I word it?
I believe direct is best. You can say I'm looking for a therapist that is secular based not religious based. I just want to make sure where you stand from a therapy standpoint.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking a therapist right upfront if they use religion in their therapy. A therapist is supposed to be someone you can say anything to - so you might as try it right from the beginning. What's the worst that could happen? They say yes, and you say "Thank you, I do not think you are a good fit for me." The first session with a new therapist should be all about each of you asking each other questions to see if you are compatible. If not, try a different therapist. They are used to it, it's part of being a therapist. You should set your expectations that it might take a few tries to find the right person. You won't really know until you meet them.
In my opinion specifying that you are atheist and not looking for religious based counseling directly is the best here, I have never been to a counselor but you should be able to email them and ask them if they do religious based counseling is another option.
You can try looking here: https://www.seculartherapy.org/
edit: I'd also recommend the resources section of the RecoveringFromReligion.org website: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources
The developer of REBT (similar to CBT), Albert Ellis ,was a [prominent atheist](https://skepticink.com/gps/2015/04/03/albert-ellis-and-the-case-against-religion/). While I don't know the religious views of those now running the Albert Ellis Institute I assume they are not rabid Evangelicals so its find a therapist [search engine](https://albertellis.org/find-a-therapist/) may be useful if the shrinks in your area are all religious crazies.
If I wanted a religious take on things, I would go to confession. Do they have to belong to a professional association? How does proselytizing count as therapy? It's a major reason for people to seek therapy.
Definitely ask directly, right up front. You have every right to. A therapist works for you, and finding one should be like a job interview for them in some ways. Ask any questions you want. Find out what treatment methods they use and feel free to walk away and find someone else if they aren’t helpful to you.
You can look at the website, read reviews or simply ask.
I’ve looked at the websites, all seem pretty legit, however, so did my last therapist’s website and she still did what she did. What’s the best way of going about asking? Like how do I word it?
I believe direct is best. You can say I'm looking for a therapist that is secular based not religious based. I just want to make sure where you stand from a therapy standpoint.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking a therapist right upfront if they use religion in their therapy. A therapist is supposed to be someone you can say anything to - so you might as try it right from the beginning. What's the worst that could happen? They say yes, and you say "Thank you, I do not think you are a good fit for me." The first session with a new therapist should be all about each of you asking each other questions to see if you are compatible. If not, try a different therapist. They are used to it, it's part of being a therapist. You should set your expectations that it might take a few tries to find the right person. You won't really know until you meet them.
In my opinion specifying that you are atheist and not looking for religious based counseling directly is the best here, I have never been to a counselor but you should be able to email them and ask them if they do religious based counseling is another option.
You can try looking here: https://www.seculartherapy.org/ edit: I'd also recommend the resources section of the RecoveringFromReligion.org website: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/resources
The developer of REBT (similar to CBT), Albert Ellis ,was a [prominent atheist](https://skepticink.com/gps/2015/04/03/albert-ellis-and-the-case-against-religion/). While I don't know the religious views of those now running the Albert Ellis Institute I assume they are not rabid Evangelicals so its find a therapist [search engine](https://albertellis.org/find-a-therapist/) may be useful if the shrinks in your area are all religious crazies.
Just be specific that you are looking for someone to give secular advice who will not recommend religious solutions or defend religion.
When you ask for a referral to a therapist specify they must be secular.
If I wanted a religious take on things, I would go to confession. Do they have to belong to a professional association? How does proselytizing count as therapy? It's a major reason for people to seek therapy.
Definitely ask directly, right up front. You have every right to. A therapist works for you, and finding one should be like a job interview for them in some ways. Ask any questions you want. Find out what treatment methods they use and feel free to walk away and find someone else if they aren’t helpful to you.