A Guide to Choosing a Therapist

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

So,Will I Cluck Like a Chicken?

When I tell people I am a hypnotherapist their responses range from interest, to confusion, to outright fear! One of the first questions I'm asked, only half joking, is usually "Would you make me cluck like a chicken?"

And the short answer is... Yes! But only if you wanted me to (so far none of my clients have, but never say never). Hypnotherapy is sometimes confused for stage hypnotism, but although both hypnotherapists and stage hypnotists use hypnosis, the similarities end there. A stage hypnotist is primarily a performer, as opposed to a therapist, and they know how to put on a good show - usually at the expense of their "hapless" volunteers!

But just how hapless are the members of the audience who so eagerly raise their hands? Well, not very, really. They either want very much to be hypnotised - they like to make people laugh, and don't mind making themselves look a little silly in the process - or they want to show up the hypnotist and are determined NOT to be hypnotised! Either way, they are self selecting. The hypnotist will perform a few tests to decide which volunteers are the most highly suggestible. This separates the "class clowns", who will comply with the hypnotist's requests, from the mischievous types who will staunchly refuse. When the hypnotist has determined who's going to play ball they will send the others back to their seats, announcing they only need X number of volunteers, leaving them with the people who are perfectly happy to cluck like a chicken, dance around on stage, and generally make a bit of a fool of themselves in the name of a good giggle. 

Could they refuse, if they suddenly lost their nerve? Absolutely! When you're in a hypnotic trance you are in full control, and will be able to refuse anything you're not comfortable with, you'll be able to move if you want to, and if the fire alarm goes off, or you become so relaxed you feel like you're about to fall off your chair, you'll be able to wake yourself up, completely alert and able to move, speak and think as usual. 

Hypnotherapists, who are primarily therapists as opposed to hypnotists, aren't so concerned with showy gestures and stage presence (they shouldn't be, anyway!), and any reputable hypnotherapist will make your comfort an absolute priority, reassuring you and answering any questions you might have.

In short, stage hypnotists can be a great for a fun night out, whether you're on stage doing your best chicken impression or not, but they're worlds away from hypnotherapists. So stop worrying, OK? :)

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