Mental Health – A Guide To Finding a Private Psychotherapist/Counsellor
Many people do not realise that counselling is not a Government regulated profession and for that reason I have decided this month to write a guide to finding a private Psychotherapist/Counsellor.
The first consideration is whether you prefer working with a man or a woman and if you want online or in-person therapy. The next step is to choose the type of therapy. In my experience people often enquire about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as it is a clinical model that is offered by GPs on the NHS.
There are three main types of therapy:
- Person Centred (Humanistic) – a non-directive, client led talking therapy embracing the whole person that explores thoughts and emotions with a view to working towards growth and self-acceptance
- Psychodynamic – a talking therapy focusing on the psychological roots of a person’s emotional suffering and behaviours by revisiting the past and having conscious awareness of its influence on present behaviours.
- CBT – A clinic model that focuses on triggers, beliefs and thoughts resulting in negative emotions and behaviours. Using tools, strategies and a change of perspective leads to positive emotions and behaviour.
Integrative Therapy – a talking therapy that combines different therapies to specifically target and support each individual client’s needs. Each therapist will offer different approaches depending on their training.
Professional Registration – It is always advisable to seek a professional who is registered with a UK professional body eg BACP, NCS and UKCP.
Professional Directories – To help find the right therapist, there are professional directories detailing therapists’ profiles, experience, qualifications and therapeutic approaches. Therapists work online, phone, text, home visiting, face to face and walk and talk. Many therapists offer complimentary therapies and creative support to enhance talking therapy.
- BACP Find a Therapist
- Counselling Directory
- Psychology Today
- Sunflower Network Directory (children and adolescents)
The key to successful therapy is a client’s commitment to change and the therapeutic relationship. Finding the right therapist for you is vitally important and so it is advisable to have a brief phone call or video call to see whether there is a connection. Therapy is usually a weekly commitment on the same day and at the same time, although this can differ with some professionals offering a more flexible approach and bi-weekly sessions.
Working with children differs from working with adults. It is a specific qualification and Counsellors work creatively through art, play and talking therapy. An enhanced DBS and be safeguarding training is required to work with children and adolescents.
Kerrie Hipgrave, Psychotherapist
