Choosing the Right Therapist
Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment where you can explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. The therapeutic frame helps individuals and couples gain insight into themselves, develop a deeper understanding of their emotions, and learn new skills to navigate life's challenges more effectively. However, the importance of choosing the right therapist cannot be underestimated, since it is this relationship which underpins the therapeutic journey.
There are different types of therapy and, within each therapeutic orientation, there are different styles. Ultimately, the right therapist will be someone with whom you feel comfortable, understood and who has the professional experience to address your specific needs and concerns.
Here are some aspects to take into consideration:
Consider why you want therapy:
Reflect on your specific needs and goals for therapy – what brings you to therapy? What is at the forefront of your mind? Are you experiencing anxiety, depression or trauma? If so, what is this related to, do you think? Are you experiencing relationship issues? Understanding your focus will guide your search as therapists do specialise: for example, some therapists focus on couples therapy, whilst others may specialise in trauma, addiction, PTSD or bereavement.
Therapeutic Approach:
Research therapeutic approaches (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, person-cantered therapy). They are all different. Cognitive-behavioural therapy focuses on practical tools to challenge intrusive thoughts; it is a short-term form of behavioural treatment. On the other hand, psychodynamic therapy is open-ended, and more focused on bringing unconscious conflicts and patterns to conscious awareness. It is important your therapist’s approach aligns with your preferences and needs.
Research:
Professional directories are a good way of finding therapists, for example, the BACP website. If your health insurance is paying for sessions, they will be able to put forward names. Whilst a family member or close friend may recommend their therapist, be cautious of this: depending on the practitioner, he or she may consider it a conflict of interest to work with you.
Also consider whether you want to see a therapist in private practice, or through an institution, such as the Tavistock. Either way, most therapists will have their own page or website, which will in turn provide information about their expertise. Do bear in mind, however, that most therapists do not post client testimonials since feedback of this nature is confidential; so, therapy websites are not like other professional services in that regard.
Practical Aspects:
Consider if you want online therapy, or in person therapy. If you want in person therapy, think about a therapist whose consulting room is near to home or work. Also, pay close attention to what times you could make; therapy is a week-on-week commitment. So, during the Consultation, if it transpires that the therapist can only offer a session at lunchtime, this may not work in the long term if you are in the office. It may, however, work for online sessions.
Consultation:
Many therapists suggest an initial Consultation. During this, the therapist will assess whether you are the right fit for their experience/style, and you must do the same. Use this time to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and gauge whether you feel comfortable. If there is something which makes you feel uneasy, over the fact you are sharing your feelings, then it may be worth considering other options.
In summary, it is important to find the right therapist for you since the most successful therapeutic journeys rest on the therapist/client fit.
