Deciding to begin a course of therapy can be a lengthy process - admitting that things aren't quite right isn't always easy, and neither is committing to doing something about it! But when you've finally got to that point you suddenly have a whole new problem to face: How do you know which therapist is the right therapist for you?
The first thing to look out for is someone who is qualified. Don't assume that just because somebody calls themselves a counsellor or a hypnotherapist they must have the relevant qualifications - unfortunately there are some unscrupulous types about who will assume the title without gaining the foundation knowledge and accreditation first. Most therapists will state their qualifications on their website or literature (they'll have worked hard to achieve them so will be proud to show them off!), but if not don't be afraid to ask. If everything is above board they won't mind being asked and will be happy to fill you in.
Similarly, make sure that you find a therapist who is a member of a professional body, for example the BACP for counsellors, or the General Hypnotherapy Register for hypnotherapists. This means that your therapist will abide by a strict code of professional conduct, and that, in the unlikely event that you should have a complaint about your therapist, you will have someone to complain to!
These websites can be a good place to start looking for a therapist in fact, you can search the BACP for suitable counsellors here, and the General Hypnotherapy Register here. Any therapist who is a member of their professional body should also have professional insurance, another must-have, as this provides more protection for you, the client.
Next, read through some websites and social media profiles. This will give you a feel for who the therapist is, their area(s) of expertise and their approach to therapy. Don't get too drawn in by flashy websites - look for substance over style! I tend to prefer an upfront approach to stating fees so like to be able to find that on the website, a reasonable price shouldn't need to be kept quiet to draw you in. From this you can make a short list of the therapists you feel are most likely to suit you at this point.
Most therapists will offer the chance to speak with them either in person, or over the phone, and should not charge for this. Now you can begin contacting the therapists on your short list, and ask to book your free consultation. A therapist should never make you feel pressured into booking a paid for session. It's completely acceptable to say that you are taking your time in finding the right therapist for you, and that you will contact them again when you have made your decision. Do let them know even if you've decided against working with them, though, it's polite and doesn't require more than a quick email.
When you speak to, or meet with, a therapist you should be able to get a feel of whether you will want to work with them or not. Don't discount your gut instinct on this, and don't feel bad about crossing someone off your list because "something just didn't feel right". Some people just don't gel, it's not a reflection on you or on them, and you need to feel completely comfortable with your therapist.
If you can't find a therapist in your local area who you feel is just right, don't despair! Many therapists offer online therapy, via Skype or even over the phone, which means that you can access their services from anywhere in the world. This can be a real lifeline if you have mobility issues, a lack of childcare, or just want to save some time and money on travelling.
Choosing a therapist can seem like a daunting task, so I hope I've made the process a little simpler.
I'd love to hear from you, if you've got any comments or questions you can post them below or message me privately on lily@lilycameronhypnotherapy.com
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