How to choose a counsellor

We all have times in our lives when we become overwhelmed, and we are unsure about how to resolve the issue at hand. I’m guessing if you are reading this that you might be in a similar position. You may have been to a counsellor previously or you may be coming to it for the first time. Wherever you are, choosing the right therapist is important. You will be trusting them with parts of you that may have been previously unshared. It can also be a very time-consuming and costly process, so picking the right counsellor early in the process is imperative.

Choosing the right counsellor can feel overwhelming, especially if you have not attended counselling sessions before. There are so many different therapists and therapies to choose from, how do you know who or what would work for you?

Shop Around

Don’t be afraid of speaking to a few counsellors. In fact, don’t be afraid of choosing a couple of counsellors you like and then meeting them for a session to see if they are a good fit for you.

Unfortunately, counselling is not regulated yet so I’ve put together a few points for you to think about.

Questions to Consider

1. What training has your counsellor had?
2. Has the counsellor worked with your issue before?
3. Do they have specialised training in the area you need?
4. Are they adequately insured?
5. Are they a member of a professional body?
6. Where are they located?
7. Do they offer Zoom sessions?
8. Are they available on the days and/or times you were hoping to have sessions?
9. Have they been recommended by someone you trust?
10. Do they offer a free consultation?

Qualified vs Trainees

I would also say that if you are struggling financially do not discount seeing a trainee counsellor as often, they have had years of experience in the helping professions and they now want to qualify as a counsellor or psychotherapist. If choosing a trainee, you could ask:

1. Which type of training are they doing?
2. What experience have they had previously?
3. Do they have clinical supervision in place?
4. Are they a member of a membership body?
5. Do they have adequate insurance?
6. Will your sessions change once they qualify?