Would you see a therapist that has only worked in a prison setting (now switching to general population)

[Anonymous]

I have had a hard time finding a therapist that has any availability and takes my insurance. I called a center and they told me they have a therapist with availability and I set up a quick intro mtg. Therapist has been a prison therapist for most of his career and is now switching so I would be theist first non-prison client. He said the techniques he uses are the same, which I think is fine, but the issues a prisoner is dealing with are not the same as a middle age woman. I don't know if I should give him a chance or keep looking. I struggle with anxiety, add, low self confidence, and easily frustrated/angry.

[Anonymous]

Do a one session trial and see if it works for you. Also, talk to your doctor and get medication for the anxiety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have had a hard time finding a therapist that has any availability and takes my insurance. I called a center and they told me they have a therapist with availability and I set up a quick intro mtg. Therapist has been a prison therapist for most of his career and is now switching so I would be theist first non-prison client. He said the techniques he uses are the same, which I think is fine, but the issues a prisoner is dealing with are not the same as a middle age woman. I don't know if I should give him a chance or keep looking. I struggle with anxiety, add, low self confidence, and easily frustrated/angry.

I have worked with incarcerated folks before, and most of them experience those things as well. I think it's worth a conversation to see if he is able to work with non-mandated clients well, if he has familiarity with the stressors in your style of life, etc. While he worked in a prison for a lot of his career, he also had a life outside of that. It's not as though all he knows is prison! If you liked him and have had a hard time finding someone, it seems worth giving it a shot. If you didn't like him, keep looking!