Selecting a family therapist

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for a child therapist or a family therapist. I am single mom and my daughter is around 14 years old. For a few months now, my daughter and I have been constantly arguing about so many things. She talks back, lies to my face and even calls me crazy. I love my daughter so much and she's the only family I have. I don't want her to go away from me because she threatens to run away. I want my sweet caring daughter back. I'm looking to find the best therapist for us to patch and clear things up. How do I select the best therapist? Read many articles on Family Therapists from Therapists411.com and many others. Can anyone give me practical advice in selecting a therapist? What is more appropriate a child therapist or a family therapist?

[Anonymous]

Well, as a former 14 year old, and based solely on your one post, I think a family therapist would be a better bet. 14 is an age of transition and distancing and growing. It's hard as hell, and hard as hell to parent. It wouldn't hurt for the two of you to sit with someone in a neutral setting and work out communication issues and figuring out this stage of growth on her part, and parenting on yours. Good luck! Also, you're doing a fine job. 14 year olds talk back.

[Anonymous]

OP,
Your daughter sounds like my son and he's only 12.5! It's so hard, we want our cooperative, unquestioning, open-book innocents back.
Unless your daughter wants to do therapy, I think you should consider a therapist for yourself.
Your daughter's behavior sounds standard, perhaps a therapist can help you with this parenting stage.
If the therapist senses anything's amiss with your daughter, he/she can work with both of you.
Also, you say your daughter is your only family.
You may be relying on her too much emotionally. Does she mention feeling suffocated?
So, a great way to find one is word of mouth.
Many therapists combine individual and family practices
Asks friends. If you have health insurance, find out who's in the system.
Good luck.!