do you do private counseling?

[twilightzone]

I'm looking for the best possible counselor for my daughter. Dr. Murray thought you were in our area but you're in Michigan if I remember right. Do you still do private counseling?

Another option I'm considering is flying her out to see Dr. Jill Murray in California. My biggest concern is that our daughter doesn't get how controlling this boy is yet and so I'm wondering how effective taking her out there will be.

Do you think a good counselor in our area is sufficient? How do we know for sure?

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Parent,
I still do therapy and am located in the Philadelphia area. Keep in mind that regardless of who the shrink is, the key to a therapist working well with a teen is establishing a trusting, respect-based relationship. Unfortunately, that takes some time. One-shot visits rarely help much. There is a mode of therapy called Intensives where the clients (usually a couple) might spend 8 hours or even several days working with a therapist. But I don't know anyone who recommends that style for adolescents. I don't think many kids could handle that.
Your best bet is to find a good local therapist. Call everyone you know that works with teens (schools, religious groups, juvenile police, and so on) and get names from them.
Good luck!