How do I choose the right Counsellor for me?

Choosing the right counsellor is a crucial step in ensuring that you have a productive and supportive therapeutic experience and that you feel your needs are being met. I hope these steps and considerations might help you choose the best counsellor for you:

Identify Your Needs: It sounds obvious, but why do you feel you need to see a counsellor? Perhaps you have been told you should by a friend or relative? Perhaps you have been carrying unresolved issues for a considerable time? Determine what specific issues or goals you want to address in counselling. This could include managing anxiety, overcoming depression, improving relationships, or dealing with trauma. For many, counselling helps them to find meaning in their lives.

Research Different Types of Therapy: Explore different therapeutic approaches (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy CBT, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy) to find one that aligns with your preferences and needs. It might help to watch videos on Youtube exploring the differences between these different modalities and counselling types.

Check Qualifications and Credentials! I cannot stress this enough. Not all counsellors are registered with a governing professional association such as they British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This means they are unregulated and do not work within a set of guidelines and standards which are intended to keep you safe. Ask your prospective counsellor to show you their qualifications and their professional registration details.

Experience and Specialisation: Consider a counsellor's experience and whether they specialise in areas relevant to your needs. All counsellors should have continuing professional development (CPD) as part of their professional regulation. Ask them about this and make sure this aligns with your needs.

Personal Preferences: have a think about whether you have preferences regarding the counsellor’s gender, age, cultural background, or diversity. These factors can influence comfort and trust in the counsellor-client relationship and will give you a much better chance of feeling truly ‘heard’ by your therapist.

Therapeutic Style: Some people prefer a more directive or structured approach, while others might want a counsellor who is more reflective and exploratory. You can often get a sense of a counsellor’s style through initial consultations or by reading their profiles. Better still, many counsllors will have an introductory video that may help you decide whether you could work with them.

Seek Recommendations: Word of mouth is worth its weight in gold. Ask for recommendations from trusted sources like friends, family, or healthcare professionals. Personal endorsements can provide insights into a counsellor's effectiveness and style and is a great starting point to your counselling journey.

Trust Your Instincts: Pay attention to how you feel during interactions with the counsellor. A strong therapeutic relationship is built on trust and rapport, so it’s important that you feel understood and respected. Counselling won’t always feel comfortable, indeed, some would say it should be challenging at times, but you should always feel safe in the relationship. After all, you are telling this person your deepest, innermost thoughts and feelings so it needs to feel right.

Consider Logistics: Think about practical considerations like the location of the counsellor’s rooms, session availability, and cost. Check if the counselor accepts your health insurance, if applicable. Think about whether you are prepared to work online using video and whether you have the privacy at home or work to be able to do this.

Evaluate and Adjust: It’s okay to decide a particular counsellor isn’t a good fit after a few sessions. Therapy is a personal process, and it may take trying a few different counsellors to find the right match for you.

By considering these factors, you can increase the likelihood of finding a counsellor who meets your needs and helps you achieve your personal goals in therapy. Remember that it’s important to feel comfortable and supported in your counselling relationship, so don’t hesitate to explore different options until you find the right fit.