Finding the right therapist for you
By Emily Steel, currently training as an integrative psychotherapist
Deciding to start therapy can be a big and sometimes daunting decision. Finding and ‘clicking’ with a therapist can also take some time, but when you do find ‘the one’, you’ll wish that you’d started years ago.
Nowadays with public figures including sportspeople, actors, politicians and musicians speaking openly about their mental health - amongst other factors - the stigma associated with seeking therapy is declining, and more people feel able to look for professional help.
Therapy by nature is a very personal experience, and a bit like trying on shoes - you want to be sure that the therapist you choose is the right fit.
So, where do you start?
When you search the internet for a therapist, the number of options available can be vast and overwhelming. There are many different styles of therapy; CBT for example is solution focused and aims to relieve certain symptoms, whereas psychodynamic psychotherapy looks more at your past and how your early relationships can influence your current behaviour. Many therapists practice with an integrative approach which is a mixture of a few styles, this enables them to use a blend of different approaches to best help their client.
It sounds obvious, but one of the main components of successful therapy is having a good relationship with your therapist. In the field of counselling and psychotherapy this is called the ‘therapeutic alliance’.
It’s important to feel as though you get on with your therapist, If you don’t feel comfortable around them then it’s unlikely you’ll want to open up and be vulnerable. Consider also factors like age, gender, sexuality, race and cultural background when making your choice.
Another important factor when looking for a counsellor is to check that they are a member of a professional therapy association.
In the UK these are; the BACP, UKCP, BPS, NCS and BABCP. All of these organisations have directories on their websites which can help simplify your search including price and location. I have put a link to these sites in my story highlight named ‘Finding a Therapist’.
Another great resource can be found at www.welldoing.org - this is a therapist-matching platform and uses a questionnaire to match your needs with the counsellor’s areas of expertise.
It’s also worth mentioning that people’s needs change over time.
A therapist isn’t for life, what you need now from therapy might not be the same in a couple of years time. So don’t feel like you are bound to one therapist or style of therapy forever. It’s also good to take breaks, as this can help us to gain perspective and reflect on the work we’ve done.
Finding the right therapist for you is a process and it’s worth investing a bit of time and energy into your search.
Don’t be afraid to meet a few different counsellors before making your final decision. Most will offer the initial session as either free or heavily discounted as this is more of an opportunity for you to see whether or not you can picture yourself working with them.
Remember, your mental health is a priority and finding the right therapist to help you look after it is key.
Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have regarding finding a therapist and I’ll do my best to help you.
About the author:
Emily Steel
Emily Steel is currently training as an integrative psychotherapist in London where she also works for a mental health charity offering low-cost therapy services. Previous to this, Emily worked as a fashion model for several years living in Tokyo, London and New York City.
Emily is passionate about raising awareness around the importance of mental health and wellbeing and she strives to open up mental health related conversations as well as reduce the stigma associated with asking for help.
Connect with Emily on Instagram here. Please note that the account is private so follow requests will be reviewed and approved.