How to Choose a Therapist
The therapeutic relationship is a vital aspect of successful therapy. It's important to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and can build trust. Consider factors such as their communication style, empathy, and ability to create what feels a safe and non-judgmental space for you
There are various factors to consider:
What type of therapy do you feel will be beneficial?
Counselling and psychotherapy provide a space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Therapists can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve their communication skills, and gain a better understanding of themselves and their relationships.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of counselling and psychotherapy may vary for each individual, as it depends on factors such as the therapist-client relationship, the individual's willingness to engage in the therapeutic process, and the specific issues being addressed. It's recommended to consult with a qualified therapist to determine the most suitable type of therapy for your specific needs.
Therapeutic modalities are also something that needs to be factored in, these includes:
Psychodynamic/Psychoanalysis
Humanistic - Person Centred, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Existential
CBT
Integrative
What you hope to gain from therapy?
Considering what you want from therapy helps focus sessions, allows you to set achievable goals, provides a framework for measuring progress, ensures sessions are relevant to your needs, and empowers you to communicate effectively with your therapist by clarifying your intentions and providing valuable feedback. This clarity turns therapy from a passive experience into an active, collaborative process for growth and change.
What are the therapist’s qualifications?
Checking out a therapist's qualifications is important, for several reasons:
Ensures that they have undergone the necessary education and training to provide effective therapy.
Ensure their ethical conduct and adherence to professional standards. Qualified therapists are typically members of recognised professional organizations, such as UKCP or BACP.
Allows you to assess their expertise and specialisation. Therapists often have specific areas of focus, such as marriage and family therapy, trauma counselling, or addiction treatment.
Checking a therapist's qualifications helps to establish trust and rapport. Knowing that your therapist has the necessary qualifications can provide a sense of confidence and reassurance in their abilities. It can also foster a more collaborative and productive therapeutic relationship, as you will feel more comfortable sharing personal and sensitive information.
Does the therapist have any Specialisms?
By checking a therapist's specialisms you can ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to address your specific needs and concerns. Therapists often specialise in different areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or addiction. By choosing a therapist who specialises in your specific concerns, you increase the likelihood of receiving effective and targeted treatment.
Additionally, therapists may have different approaches or modalities they use in their practice. Some may specialise in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), while others may focus on psychodynamic therapy or mindfulness-based approaches. It is also important to be aware pf that not all therapists are qualified to work with couples, family, children and young people, as this is often an additional qualification.
By considering a therapist's specialisms and approaches, you can find someone whose therapeutic style aligns with your preferences and needs
Are they Registered/Accredited?
A therapist should be registered for several important reasons. Firstly, registration ensures that the therapist has met the necessary qualifications and training requirements to provide effective and ethical therapy services. This helps to protect the safety and well-being of clients by ensuring that they are receiving treatment from a competent and knowledgeable professional. The main organisations include:
Consider Practical Details e.g. location, cost etc
By considering these practical details when looking for a therapist, you can ensure that you find a therapist who is a good fit for your needs and preferences. Remember to trust your instincts and prioritise your comfort and well-being. Practical details can greatly impact your therapy experience and the effectiveness of your treatment. Things to consider include:
Location of the therapist's office. It is important to find a therapist who is conveniently located for you so that you can easily attend your sessions without any logistical challenges. Consider factors such as distance, travel time, and accessibility when choosing a therapist.
Availability of the therapist. Find out what their schedule looks like and whether their availability aligns with your own. It is important to find a therapist who can accommodate your needs and provide consistent therapy sessions.
Cost of therapy. Therapy can be a significant financial investment, so finding a therapist whose fees align with your budget is important. Consider whether they offer a sliding fee scale or concessionary rates. Not all therapists can offer concessionary rates.
Additionally if you are a student therapist…..
Training to be a therapist adds an extra dimension to finding a therapist for many reasons, this can be a lengthy process, which is why it is really important to factor in some of the below information:
Training Organisation’s Therapy Requirements
Depending on where you are training to be a therapist, depends on the criteria you need to look for, most training organisations will provide information which will include:
How many hours - varies greatly and is really important to factor in, especially when looking at practicalities.
Qualification level - most will want you to see a therapist who holds the same level or higher that you are studying e.g. if you are studying for a Degree (level 6) the therapist may need to hold a degree or higher.
Registration - Does the therapist need to be UKCP registered, BACP member or accredited?
Does the therapist work in the type of therapy you are training?
Practical Details
Practical details are really important to consider when training to be a therapist, these include:
It is important to find a therapist who is conveniently located for you so that you can easily attend your sessions without any logistical challenges. Consider factors such as distance, travel time, and accessibility when choosing a therapist. Yes, a therapist 50 miles away might FEEL LIKE the perfect fit, BUT remember you could be doing that journey for 3 - 4 years and at some point this might be too much.
Availability of the therapist. Find out what their schedule looks like and whether their availability aligns with your own. It is important to find a therapist who can accommodate your needs and provide consistent therapy sessions.
Cost of therapy. Therapy can be a significant financial investment, so finding a therapist whose fees align with your budget is important. Not all therapists can offer concessions, and weekly therapy for 3 -4 years is something that needs to be thought out and budgeted for.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are part of a therapist's thought process when taking on a student therapist for therapy (and/or supervision). Extra information may be required, which may include:
Where are you training
Your year of study and group/cohort
If there is any paperwork or reports required.
Therapists often want to ensure that they can hold a dual relationship for ethical reasons, which can mean often in certain geographical locations it can be harder to find a therapist due to conflicts of interest.