Therapy Revolution: Find Help, Get Better, and Move On Without Wasting Time or Money - Softcover

Aiming to empower patients, mental health counselor Zwolinksi and coauthor Zwolinski offer practical information to individuals considering psychotherapy. Readers are guided through the process--from choosing a therapist and attending the first appointment, to developing a treatment plan, measuring progress, and finally ending therapy. Zwolinski pays special attention to ethical concerns, including a discussion of "red flag violations." Medical jargon is used sparingly, and the authors incorporate humor throughout the text. Readers will appreciate the numerous patient interviews, questionnaires, and checklists. A list of useful organizations, along with their web sites, is included at the end.
Verdict: This informative book is a recommended addition for consumer health and public library collections.--John Siegel -- Library Journal

A licensed mental health counselor specializing in the treatment of anxiety and addiction, Zwolinski (with help from coauthor C.R.) steps back to take a broad view of the therapy industry, and the growing problem of patients caught in the "therapy trap" by unproductive, inept or unethical therapists who "wallop" a client with inaccurate or exaggerated diagnoses in order keep that client coming back. In this guide to hiring "a great therapist," Zwolinski reminds patients that they should be "savvy consumer[s]" when considering therapy, just as they would for any other important expense. He suggests a preliminary phone interview to check out prospective therapists' credentials, references, fee, approach, and other details. He also suggests that, after a few appointments, a patient work with his therapist to develop a written treatment plan, including a proper medical diagnosis (which can be looked up in a professional reference like the DSM IV), a general time-frame for the length of therapy, and agreed-upon "goals." Zwolinski's provocative call for a "therapy revolution" is authoritative and instructive, fleshing out the common wisdom stating patients are their own best advocates, and must be proactive in all aspects of healthcare. -- Publishers Weekly

Richard M. Zwolinski, LMHC, is a nationally and internationally licensed psychotherapist and addiction specialist with more than twenty-five years experience. He serves on the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Administrative Regulatory Relief Committee and is involved in the creation of important patients' rights regulations. He is also the provider co-chair for the OASAS Smart Records Committee, which creates and implements documents designed to keep patients engaged in treatment as well as promotes therapists' adherence to treatment protocols. He also serves on the Ethics Committee for the New York State Mental Health Counselors Association. Mr. Zwolinski is a consultant to government and non-governmental agencies and industries, and is a regulatory compliance officer and director of an addiction and mental health treatment program. C.R. Zwolinski is a writer and editor.