Tips on starting therapy

Thinking about having counselling or psychotherapy, but not sure where to start? Here are 5 tips to help you get started.

1. Recognise if you need help. Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you’ve not been before. It’s not uncommon for people to worry that they are weak or ‘crazy’ for needing help. However, seeking out therapy help is commendable and it’s a sign of real strength to recognise limitations, and to get help when you need it.

2. Gather Information! Thankfully, there’s plenty of information on therapy. Whether its via suggestions from people you know who’ve been, the internet, registering bodies websites such as the UKCP or BACP, your G.P, or local authority, there’s lots of info to help you started.

3. Choose the Right Therapist for You. Services stating they are the ‘top’ or the ‘best’ does not necessarily mean they are the best for you. Don’t be afraid to shop around for a therapist you feel you ‘click’ with, as there are many wonderfully skilled practitioners. A good therapeutic relationship with your therapist built on trust, consistency, feeling heard and mutual respect, is the most vital factor in how successful therapy will be.

4. Check Out Credentials. Feel free to ask potential therapists what their credentials, in which case a good therapist will usually be transparent. Alternately, you can check credentials online or via telephone with key registering bodies. This is to ensure you are likely to receive safe and appropriate therapy support.

5. Consider the Practicalities: Therapy is a commitment that requires thought about the practicalities such as how you want to receive your therapy? E.g. face-to-face, video-call, online, text, telephone/audio-call, etc. If attending face-to-face, will it be near home or work? What is your budget per session? Will you have the time, or are you willing to make time to attend sessions each week?

We hope these tips are helpful, however, if you’d like to discuss starting therapy further for you or someone you know, feel free to book a free 15 minute consultation with us by clicking here.

Written by Belinda Wilson, Psychotherapist (UKCP Reg/MBACP)