Written by: James McWilliams, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Psychotherapy and counselling are increasingly seen as invaluable services to maintain our everyday mental health and long-term well-being. The support of a counsellor or psychotherapist can have a huge impact both personally and professionally. However, searching for an appropriate therapist can be a minefield. Here are 5 top tips for finding the right psychotherapist or counsellor for you.
1. Before Starting the Search, Consider Key Issues & Your Goals
Think about the key issues you would like to explore and what you would like to achieve (i.e., goals and objectives) by the end of the experience. For instance, if you wish to explore a relationship difficulty, your goal may be to find ways to improve your communication style and alleviate anxiety. This can help to focus your search on practitioners with the relevant skill set or expertise. Note, most practitioners will use the introductory or initial session to ask relevant questions about the issues/themes you would like to focus on and briefly discuss important aspects of your life.
2. Decide on In-Person vs. Online (or a combination!)
Since the pandemic, an increasing number of practitioners now offer an opportunity to have either in-person (face-to-face) therapy, online via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, or a hybrid combination of the two. If you prefer to have therapy online, location will not be an issue. This opens up the potential to work with a practitioner anywhere in the world! Both in-person and online therapy have their pros and cons. Some clients find in-person more personable and relatable. Others may find online more convenient, less intimidating and equally effective. Think about what is going to be more beneficial for you in the longer term. Ultimately, the therapist needs to be accessible to motivate you to commit to the experience. Like going to the gym, if it is too far away you may be less likely to make the journey there.
3. Decide Your Budget
A more expensive therapist does not necessarily mean a more effective one! A counsellor or psychotherapist in private practice can charge anywhere between 50-120 (GBP) per session. Sessions are typically 50-60mins in duration and are usually weekly. Some practitioners may offer a fortnightly frequency depending on their availability and the types of issues to be explored. Be prepared. Depending on your needs and how much you are willing to explore, therapy may be a long-term endeavour, so how much you are comfortable paying will need to be considered from the outset. It is not unusual to want quick fixes to issues. Be patient. Lifelong issues are unlikely to be healed within a few weeks or months.
4. Consider Specialist Expertise/Experience
Specialist expertise may be relevant if there is a specific area you are wanting to explore. For example, if you are wanting to explore issues around sexuality or gender, you may want to work with someone who has experience working with people in the LGBTQ+ community. For a comprehensive list of the types of therapies available, click here. However, the key is trust and the dynamic you forge with the counsellor or psychotherapist. Feeling comfortable, being honest, and willing to share aspects of your life with a trained practitioner is crucial to the effectiveness of the experience.
5. Picture & Profile
In my opinion, finding a therapist is a lot like house-hunting. Go with your gut instinct when looking at someone's picture and reading their profile. Do they look like someone you feel you could trust or could relate to you? Ask for a free telephone consultation to get a feel for what they are like. I offer all my prospective clients a free 15-minute call. Then, if you agree to have an initial session use this opportunity to gauge how much you feel at ease with them. Trust your intuition!
Importantly, make sure the therapist is licensed or registered with a professional body to ensure they adhere to the highest ethical standards in their practice. For example, the BACP and UKCP are two of the largest, recognised professional bodies in the UK.
For further guidance, feel free to contact me at McWilliams Therapy. Alternatively, check out the following directory links for therapists based in the UK:
Counselling Directory: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
Well Doing: https://welldoing.org/
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling
BACP Directory: https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists
James McWilliams, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
James McWilliams (PgDip MBACP) is a psychotherapeutic counsellor in private practice; seeing clients in-person in central London and online. A registered member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, James is a qualified Psychosynthesis practitioner. Prior to establishing his private practice, McWilliams Therapy, James has 15 years of corporate experience in the broadcast & media industry including six years at The Walt Disney Company. James is also a passionate member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community; having volunteered for Switchboard, a London-based helpline service, and Terrence Higgins Trust’s Counselling Service.
