How do I choose a therapist?

For most of us who have undergone therapy, it becomes a life changing experience helping us to overcome many issues and (re)build a sense of self-worth. However, it can also be a financial investment. So it is important to choose the right therapist for you.
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Where do I start?
Your employer or health insurance may offer short-term therapy at no cost. If this is available to you, I strongly recommend you start there. Short-term therapy helps you begin to process your issues and relieve the initial symptoms. It also demonstrates the benefits of therapy to your life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and sometimes counselling is available through the NHS. Unfortunately, there tends to be a long waiting list but that should not stop you from asking your GP for a referral. While you are waiting, check if your employer or health insurance offers short-term therapy. There may be a local charity near you that offers therapy at a cut price rate. However, you will probably not be able to choose your therapist or type of therapy.

I don’t have these options or I have exhausted these options
Looking for a long-term therapist can be confusing. There are excellent websites that therapists will advertise on. These sites guarantee that the therapist is properly trained, registered and insured. I have included several of these sites for the UK below. If you can afford to choose a therapist, here are some things to consider:

• What is your price range? Most therapists will expect to see you once per week or fortnight.
• Do you want a man or woman as a therapist? Be honest with who you will feel more comfortable talking to.
• Trust your gut. If the introductory paragraph on the web page does not speak to you then move onto the next therapist.
• Choose several potential therapists and telephone them. Did you find it comfortable talking to them? Tell them you are phoning several therapists and will get back to them.

What type of therapy should I choose?
Many therapists will offer compelling reasons to invest in their type of therapy. Personally, I am persuaded by research that suggests it is the quality of the relationship between the client and therapist that counts. This is called the Therapeutic Alliance. Then choose whatever type of therapy speaks to you: again, read the paragraph they have on their page and consider what they tell you over the phone.
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Therapy offers a life changing opportunity to develop long-term positive mental health and self-worth.

Helpful websites to finding a therapist
British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
www.bacp.co.uk
Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)
www.cosca.org.uk
Counselling Directory
www.counselling-directory.org.uk