Seeing a therapist is essential to recovery, but finding the right counsellor can sometimes be a challenge. There are many well-trained and competent mental health professionals, yet finding the one that will fit your needs can take time. With the right tips and strategies, connecting to the right professional for long-term healing is possible. Read about what you need to know to learn how to choose a therapist. 

Define Your Goals

Before you even look at the therapists available in your area, it’s important to take the time to ask yourself what brings you to therapy. Seeking therapy doesn’t always mean you have a debilitating mental health condition. Often, it can be as simple as wanting to build confidence or improve your overall wellbeing.

There’s no right or wrong answer to why you’re looking for a therapist. A clear sense of your goals will guide you towards the right support. Some questions you can ask yourself while defining your goals include: 

  • Is there a specific issue or pattern I’d like to understand or change?
  • Do I want to build certain skills during therapy?
  • Have I experienced something that’s been weighing on my mind?
  • Are there relationships I want to improve on?
  • Are there any issues, whether recent or in the past, that I want to process?

Seek Referrals to Find the Right Therapist

Once you’ve defined your goals, the next step is to reach out to people close to you for help. This often starts with a referral from people you trust, such as your friends, family members, or GP. You’ll never know which connections can lead you to the right support. 

In addition, you may also want to explore professional directories such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy).

Decide on the Therapy Format

These days, there are different therapy formats to choose from, and it’s important to consider which format is best for you. While traditional therapy takes place in a face-to-face setting, many psychotherapists are now offering the option of online therapy as well.

The type of therapy also matters. While many psychotherapists use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in their practice, there are some instances where you’ll need a more specialised approach. You may not know what you want, but getting familiar with different approaches will help you understand what to expect in terms of timeframe, therapeutic style, and the types of concerns they specialise in.

Refine Your Search

Once you have a clearer picture of what you’re looking for in therapy, it’s time to refine your search. Exploring different options can help you filter out options so you can focus on professionals who can truly address your needs. 

It can take time to scan different profiles, but that’s completely normal. Reading each professional’s description and experience carefully can help give you a sense of what to expect during your sessions with them. 

Explore Therapists Near You

If you prefer in-person counselling, you may want to explore therapists near you. This offers more accessible treatment and makes it easier for you to stay consistent with your sessions.

Having therapists in your location also means you don’t have to stress about your commute to their office. Different online directories allow you to filter therapists by postcode so you can assess whether their locations are near you or not. 

Have a Therapy Consultation

Before committing to regular sessions, it’s best to have an initial consultation with the therapist. Many therapists also offer initial consultations for free or at a reduced rate. During this first session, you’ll discuss why you want to attend therapy and how the therapist can help you achieve your goals.

It’s important to pay attention to how you feel during the consultation. You must feel safe, comfortable, and respected while talking to them. Hearing their approach to therapy and what sessions look like can help you make a more informed decision. If something doesn’t feel right, remember that it’s okay to find another professional instead. 

Therapist

Check-In with Your Insurance

Another important consideration when choosing a therapist is insurance. If you have a health insurance provider, you can check with them to see which treatment costs are covered. Discussing these factors can help you avoid unnecessary stress in the future. 

If you’re considering a private therapist, ask if they accept insurance and if they can provide invoices or documentation for reimbursement. Clarifying the administrative aspects of finding a mental health professional can help you focus on getting the right treatment. 

Read Reviews

Reading reviews is also important in finding and choosing a mental health service. Although everyone will have different needs and experiences, reviews provide insight into what to expect from the treatment. These are essential to making a well-informed decision. 

Aside from directories, the therapist’s website can also provide helpful overviews about their services. Social media platforms and Google Business profiles will also have some reviews. Find any themes in what people say, as these can help you find out whether a professional is skilled enough to provide the therapy you need. 

Trust Your Instinct

You’ll want to trust your gut. Considering every bit of research can help you make a smart decision that can help you in the long run.

Feeling at ease during the consultation because the therapist is truly listening can give you a glimpse into what future sessions may be like.

On the other hand, if you feel unsettled during your consultation, it can signify that the therapist may not be the right choice. Don’t be afraid to keep looking until you find someone who is the right fit. 

Why It’s Important to Learn How to Choose a Therapist

Choosing the best therapist for your needs offers a variety of benefits that can help improve your well-being and even change your life. Here are some of the top reasons why the right counsellor is so important:

Stronger Connection

Therapy works best when you feel connected with your counsellor. A comfortable relationship becomes the foundation for healing and growth. It helps you face difficult topics without fear or judgment.

However, if you don’t feel comfortable with your counsellor, you may want to hold back your feelings. This can impede the process, prevent you from addressing core issues, and ultimately hinder your ability to achieve meaningful progress in therapy.

Personalised and Tailored Treatment

Selecting the right therapist will allow you to receive support that truly suits your specific needs and goals. Remember that everyone comes from different backgrounds, and therapy should never feel like a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, it’s supposed to be a personalised journey where all aspects of your situation are considered.

A good therapist will take the time to understand what you are going through to achieve the best results. They will work at a pace you’re comfortable with so you don’t feel overwhelmed during treatment.

Saves Time and Effort

It may not be easy to start therapy because of all the time and emotion you invest in it. Finding a good fit can help reduce the time spent second-guessing or feeling misunderstood. Working with the right counsellor offers you more time to work on what matters to you to give yourself the best possible start. 

Better and Faster Progress

A strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist and a personalised approach can help you stay more engaged with the treatment. Progress will tend to come more naturally, which can also mean quicker results. The right therapist will know how to ask the right questions while challenging your beliefs in a healthy way.

When you’re on the same page as your therapist, you won’t waste time on miscommunication. You’ll have more time to work on yourself and learn new coping strategies.

Find a Therapist or Counsellor with PROMIS

Learning how to choose a therapist can be a lengthy and tough process. However, when you finally find a professional who understands you, recovery can be easier and more accessible. 

At PROMIS, we’re here to help you connect with the best professionals with diverse skills, styles, and experience. Don’t hesitate to contact us today, we’re happy to help you achieve the healing you deserve. 

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