How the hell do choose a counselor?
Discussion
It’s difficult because even if you find a suitably qualified one, they must also work for you and if that seems obvious, it is not for a lot of people.
Have a look on UKCP, at least they are subject to professional standards
Some on there do additional like CBT
Not asking but consider what you want and if specific then the local list will at least give you a starting point
Outside of London and inner postcodes, no therapist should be more than £55 to £60 per hour and in fact if you search for recently qualified who may be doing additional training, it can be a lot less.
Again it’s very personal and some people need more at a point of crisis and then maybe less going forward
I think it might be BACUP but definitely look for a professionally regulated one, gender doesn’t determine suitability but I found a great man after a couple of women therapists but that’s more about me than them
Definitely regulated and traditional with perhaps CBT and avoid hypnosis, it does not work over the longer term, results If any are fleeting
Have a look on UKCP, at least they are subject to professional standards
Some on there do additional like CBT
Not asking but consider what you want and if specific then the local list will at least give you a starting point
Outside of London and inner postcodes, no therapist should be more than £55 to £60 per hour and in fact if you search for recently qualified who may be doing additional training, it can be a lot less.
Again it’s very personal and some people need more at a point of crisis and then maybe less going forward
I think it might be BACUP but definitely look for a professionally regulated one, gender doesn’t determine suitability but I found a great man after a couple of women therapists but that’s more about me than them
Definitely regulated and traditional with perhaps CBT and avoid hypnosis, it does not work over the longer term, results If any are fleeting
Seems high but I guess so is demand in these funked up times. I pay far less but I think the guy is sort of should be retired but just carries on for the hell of it.
My wife also provides counselling to a charity in hackney that provide low cost services to local residents I think on referral from GPs, worth investigating if the cost is a challenge.
My wife also provides counselling to a charity in hackney that provide low cost services to local residents I think on referral from GPs, worth investigating if the cost is a challenge.
I've always chosen on the basis of personal recommendation, but I work in a related field so that's easy to do.
If I didn't know anyone, I'd google for local therapists and have a look at their website. Personally I'd want someone qualified to at least Master's level who has been practising for 10 years and has regular supervision. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist and some of them don't have proper training.
One thing I would say: when you've shortlisted 3 or 4 have a trial meeting with each one - it's usually free.
If I didn't know anyone, I'd google for local therapists and have a look at their website. Personally I'd want someone qualified to at least Master's level who has been practising for 10 years and has regular supervision. Anyone can call themselves a counsellor or therapist and some of them don't have proper training.
One thing I would say: when you've shortlisted 3 or 4 have a trial meeting with each one - it's usually free.
Edited by Slowboathome on Saturday 5th August 10:27
https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/using-our-the...
Bacp therapist directory a good place to start.
Counsellor/ therapist are unprotected terms so I'd say it's a good idea to find a member of the BACP or the NCS professional bodies.
Bacp therapist directory a good place to start.
Counsellor/ therapist are unprotected terms so I'd say it's a good idea to find a member of the BACP or the NCS professional bodies.
trashbat said:
As the op in the linked post, i can say i had success with the link trashbat provided. It's still a minefield to be fair, but i picked a councillor after narrowing down from the listings. I basically took out all the people i thought looked mental, or didn't appeal to me. i just needed someone emotionally bright, but ultimately normal to talk with, i feel fortunate to have stumbled upon my chap. Some are so softly spoken, niche, or just plain bonkers looking, that as someone a bit mad to begin with, was the last thing i needed. I found everyone did a 10/20min preliminary chat, and in my experience, despite having others lined up, i committed to my guy on the spot, we just got along.
I pay £50 a session. I talk remotely, and we speak once a week. excellent value for money.
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