1. Do you want online or in-person?

This is simply a question of personal choice. Some people prefer to do things online generally and others don’t. Go with your preference. But remember if you are planning to do in-person sessions the location matters a lot more.

2. Accreditation.

Any counsellor you choose should be a member of the NCPS, UKCP, BCP or the BACP. If you are choosing from a directory listing – Counselling Directory or Psychology Today – they will already have checked this. If not, check they have said somewhere that they are part of one of these organisations or that they are listed on one of the directories above. If they are not – do not hire them. It will mean they have not successfully completed the courses required to call themselves a qualified counsellor.

3. Person-centred versus integrated versus what..?

The jargon can be confusing. Two phrases worth knowing are “person-centred” and “solution-focused.” A person-centred therapist lets you work through things at your own pace — there’s no rush to “get somewhere.” A solution-focused therapist is more geared toward results within a shorter timeframe. If you know you’ll get impatient with open-ended talking, lean solution-focused; if you want space to be heard without pressure, lean person-centred. Most counsellors can flex between the two, so don’t worry too much about getting it “wrong.”

It’s also worth checking whether the counsellor mentions the issue you’re coming for — for example, grief and bereavement — in their information. Most counsellors are generalists, but what they highlight can give you an idea of where they feel most comfortable.

4. Cost

Therapy can cost anything from £15 for a student counsellor to £250 for a therapist on Harley Street. They all go through the same basic training. As a rule I would say pay what you feel comfortable with. Remember therapy tends to be a repeating cost so choose a therapist that is not going to break the bank if you go to them.

5. See if they do an introductory session/phone call

Your therapist should be someone you feel comfortable with. There are some people you just don’t ‘click’ with. The introductory session is your chance to find out if you ‘click’ with that therapist. If you don’t, just move on. All therapists should know the importance of their clients feeling comfortable and they shouldn’t give you a hard time about it.

There are no real ‘wrong’ choices. Excepting the accreditation thing mentioned above, almost any therapist you choose is likely to help you. Give yourself a chance and have a go. Whoever you choose, an introductory conversation is the best next step — it costs you nothing and tells you a lot. If you’d like to have that conversation with me, my details are below. If not, I hope this guide helps you find someone who’s the right fit.

6. Go ahead and choose

To contact, please email [email protected] or call/text/Whatsapp 07983 276992 or click the button below to arrange an initial consultation.