Starting therapy can feel quite daunting! And it can also feel confusing trying to work out how to choose your therapist. There are so many options and approaches, and then there all the practical factors like location, availability, and cost. You might be looking for somebody who’s a specialist in a particular area, or maybe you’ve already tried one type of support and it didn’t feel like it worked. On top of all those considerations, it’s also useful to realise that different therapy styles might be better for you at different times and stages in your life.
If it’s your first time looking for a therapist, or even if you’ve already had some therapy, but are looking for something different, here are some things to think about:
- Location: Is the therapist near you? Is the room suitable for you?
- Online or in person? Do you want to see the therapist in person or would you prefer to have sessions online, eg on Zoom? Or would you like the option of both?
- Cost: Is it in your budget? It helps to see therapy as an investment in yourself and your future. You can probably expect to have six sessions, at least. Usually this is weekly, but some therapists offer fortnightly, or even monthly. There are also some free options out there so it’s worth checking what is available in your area, through local charities, or your GP.
- Qualifications: Is the therapist suitably qualified, with at a minimum a Level 4 diploma that has included a placement? Do they belong to a membership body? Do they follow an ethical framework or similar? Do they have supervision?
- Style and approach: Do you want some challenge and questions? Do you like getting tasks to complete between sessions? Do you want the therapist to suggest creative interventions or other techniques like breathing techniques to calm and ground?
- Knowledge and resources: Does the therapist attend regular professional training? Do they keep in touch with current research and information? Will the therapist suggest books or videos you might find helpful?
- Lived experience: is it important to you that your therapist shares particular characteristics with you, for example, gender, sexuality, faith, ethnicity, and class? Some therapists will share this information, others choose not to.
There is a lot to think about, but at the same time, it’s worth remembering that perhaps above all, it’s important to feel supported and understood. Does the therapist seem like somebody you could talk to? That’s a great starting point!
And a quick reminder, that most counsellors and psychotherapists will not work with people they know – this can be tricky in small towns where it feels like everyone knows everyone, so if you’re not sure, just ask! A therapist who works to an ethical framework will have a clear understanding of whether they are too closely connected to support you.
I hope this helps guide your search for a therapist – and perhaps gives you some ideas about what to ask when you get in touch with somebody. Most of my answers to these questions are on this website, but feel free to check in if I’ve missed something that’s important to you to know.
Where to look to find a therapist:
- Psychology Today
- Counselling Directory
- BACP Register/Directory
- Local noticeboards and adverts
- Word of mouth referrals
- Social media
Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my website. I hope it gives you an idea of how I work and a sense of whether I’d be a good fit for you. If you feel like it’s the right time, please do get in touch to see if we can work together!
Leave a Reply