Deciding to get therapy is a great decision but finding a therapist that aligns with your needs can feel daunting sometimes. In this blog we will discuss some things to consider when looking for a therapist.
1. Think About What You Need:
The first step should be thinking about what you need for your specific mental health concerns/difficulties. Do this by listing the main difficulties you are having and researching different types of therapies and what they can help with. Read our blog posts on CBT, EMDR and psychotherapy to get started.
Think about whether you want a therapist that specialises in specific conditions.
Think about whether you would prefer a therapist of a certain age group, gender or cultural background.
Thinking about the above will help you narrow down your search.
2. Check Online Directories:
Have a look at directories that have databases of qualified therapists. These platforms often allow you to filter your search based on location, therapy type, and other relevant criteria.
For example, there is the:
3. Ask for Recommendations:
If you can, ask those in your social network such as family, friends, colleagues, healthcare professionals about whether they have any recommendations for therapists. Referrals via people you know may give you useful insights that will guide your decision. With this being said however, remember that everyone’s therapy needs are unique, so what may or may not have worked for one person may not be the same for another.
4. Consider Accessibility:
When looking for a therapist, think about practical things like where they are based, how long it will take for you to get to them if you are seeing them face to face, their availability, and fees. Think about whether you want sessions to be in person or if you would be okay with online therapy via video call or telephone. Often opting for online therapy means that you can access therapy with anyone in the UK rather than being restricted to your geographical location. This is good when there aren’t many therapists that you are looking for local to you.
If you are questioning whether remote therapy is as effective as face to face therapy read our post on this.
5. Check the Therapists Accreditation and Experience:
Make sure that the therapists you consider are qualified and accredited by professional bodies. In the UK, common accreditations include those from the BABCP, BACP, UKCP, or the British Psychological Society (BPS). These accreditations guarantee that the therapist has undergone adequate training and adheres to professional codes of ethics.
6. Have an Initial Consultation and Check Compatibility:
A lot of therapists offer a free initial consultation, use this to assess compatibility and ask any questions you may have. Feeling comfortable with your therapist and having a good relationship is essential for a good therapeutic journey.
Conclusion:
Finding a therapist in the UK will involve some research and thinking however considering the points above will help you narrow down what’s important to you in a therapist.
We offer CBT, EMDR, counselling and online mental health workshops. If you would like to discuss therapy with us, get in touch for a free consultation.
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