02/02/2025
HOW TO FIND AND CHOOSE A COUNSELLOR
Time, money and fear of the unknown can all be factors that get in the way of getting the help you need. As can the finding and choosing process.
I personally offer limited concessions or every-other-week appointments to help with these barriers so let’s not look at the finding and choosing aspects, where do you start?
Reputable sites like https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/ and https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb can be a good place to start. You can get a feel for potential counsellors through their photo and bio.
You can look out for information like specialities, years of experience, level of qualification (level 6 is degree equivalent) and check out their rates and whether concessions or sliding scales are part of what they offer.
Training varies greatly so information like did they have a placement during training to gain client hours, did they have to have their own therapy and do they have a supervisor can be good to know.
When you find 2 or 3 that you like, arrange a call or zoom with them. In this call you can get a better sense of whether this is the counsellor for you.
Research suggests that the therapeutic relationship is more important than the modality used for effecting change so spend a little time talking. Sometimes schedules and availability doesn’t align so having 1 or 2 others to talk to can be useful from this practical aspect too.
Don’t let finding and choosing become a barrier to getting the help you need. Spend some time on it and go lightly!
If you have any more questions about starting therapy, feel free to contact me at www.miltoncounselling.co.uk
Good luck on your search...
Nicola Hare dip.couns.mncs(accred)
Milton Counselling
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor