How to find a good therapist

Life is full of ups and downs, and, when life gets tough, you should never be afraid of seeking the right help and support you need. There are lots of different reasons to reach out, whether it's to overcome your problems or to find your feet again in a world that can be challenging, daunting and overwhelming.

However, finding a good therapist that can help you to deal with your mental health concerns can be difficult, especially if this is the first time that you are using therapy.

We’ve created a helpful guide outlining everything that you need to know and what you should look out for when it comes to finding a good therapist.

Identify the type of therapist you need

First and foremost, it’s important to identify the type of therapist you need, as there are lots of different types of qualified therapists that are trained specifically in different fields to help support you during your mental health journey.

It’s important that you choose a therapist that specialises in supporting you through your emotional issues. After all, depression and anxiety can be incredibly debilitating, impacting all areas of your life, including your relationships, work life and ability to function day-to-day.

Common types of therapy include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behaviours therapy (DBT)
• Psychoanalytic therapy
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Remember, you should always choose an accredited therapist.

What are your therapy goals?

Many people turn to therapy for lots of different reasons including stress, anxiety, bereavement, relationship breakdowns, financial concerns, trauma, breakdowns and lots more.

The key to finding the right therapist to support your needs is understanding the type of therapist you need to help you address your issues. When approaching any therapist for the first time, you should always be open and honest about your goals from the offset, so that the therapist you have approached is able to determine whether they can help you or not.

Ask to see testimonials

When looking for a good therapist, you should never be afraid to ask for testimonials or credentials, as this will give you an idea of how good they are!

At the same time, during your first conversation, you should ask what are their areas of expertise. How many years have they been practising and what setting do they work in? This will allow you to gauge whether or not you are suited. You should also always remember that different therapists have different therapeutic approaches when it comes to working with their clients.

Trial and error

Finding a therapist that you can build a good rapport with and who can support you throughout your mental health journey, on a short-term or long-term basis is crucial to your recovery.

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel at ease with the therapist?
• Do you see yourself able to build an open and honest relationship with them?
• Do you feel safe with them?
• Do you click?
• Did they listen to you?

With this in mind, you should expect to try out a number of different therapists until you find one that you click with. And remember, always arrange to meet with your therapist before your first session for an informal “get to know you” chat.

If you're interested in becoming a therapist, then check out our counselling and hypnotherapy courses. Get in touch with us today to see how you can make a difference. You can also request a prospectus online for more information regarding the courses we offer.