How to Choose the Right Counsellor for You
- james32294
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Finding the right counsellor can be a daunting task. There are so many options and types of talking therapies available it can feel overwhelming trying to decipher what is right for you. We’ll help simplify this process, with our top tips of how to find the right counsellor for you in three easy steps.
Step number one: identify your wants and needs from counselling
Take some time before looking for a counsellor to think about what your needs are.
These can include deciding on the following:
Would I prefer online or in person?
Online can be easier for clients logistically to be able to fit sessions into their week and is becoming increasingly popular. Some feeler safer doing sessions in the comfort of their own home however if you are thinking of online counselling, consider if you have somewhere private where you can do sessions uninterrupted and where you feel able to talk openly. Other clients find it challenging to develop a therapeutic relationship online and prefer to work in person. Some clients prefer the boundary of the counselling room too, a safe space they enter, work within, then leave, a space which can hold the work until the next session.Consider which you would prefer.
What is my availability?
Typically, counselling sessions are roughly an hour in length and held weekly. Consider when can I commit an hour a week to this, am I able to dedicate a set hour each week or do I need flexibility to change the times each week because of work patterns or other commitments? It is worth considering too when you would most like sessions; would you prefer them first thing, afternoon or evening. Counselling is a hard process and sessions can be challenging so consider your needs before and after sessions and self -care, when would sessions be best for you. Of course, session availability is dependent on the counsellor’s too but it’s important to consider your needs in this too and explore possibilities with your counsellor. Also consider if you are looking for short term (typically 6 weeks) or longer-term work as different counsellors and providers may vary in what they offer.
How much do I want to spend on counselling?
Cost is a big thing to consider when looking for a counsellor and it’s important to remember there are affordable or free options available. If you are unable to afford to pay for sessions but feel you need counselling, speak to your GP and see what is available through the NHS. You can also search for affordable counselling services or charities which provide counselling at a reduced rate. Counsellors will clearly state their session rate and there are options for all budgets. Ripples Wellbeing have a range of options including affordable available which can be seen here
What am I wanting to work on and what type of counselling am I looking for?
Take some time to think about what you are wanting to begin sessions for. Why now? What are you hoping to explore and what changes are you wanting to make? This can be explored more deeply in sessions with a counsellor but it is useful take some time to identify what you are hoping to work on as this can affect the type of counselling that you would like. Counselling is an umbrella term that covers a number of different approaches which include but are not limited to:CBT – an approach favoured by the NHS which focuses on behaviours and cognitions. This approach is often directive, targeted, short term and involves homework. Psychodynamic – this is typically a longer-term approach which explores your past experiences and unconscious mind to better understand their influence on the present. Person-centred – a non-directive approach where the counsellor provides core conditions of congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy to help support the client’s own positive growth. Pluralistic – based on the person-centred approach, pluralistic counselling draws from the three main approaches listed above, with sessions tailored to the individual needs of the client. Consider what you are wishing to work on within counselling, and which approach feels most aligned with this but also with you.
Step two: Finding a counsellor that meets your needs
Once you have identified what you are wanting it’s time to look for a counsellor that can meet your needs. Key to finding a counsellor is checking they are a member of a professional body such as NCPS and BACP. This means they are accredited and adhere to their code of ethics.
GP practices can refer you to counselling services, you can search for organisations locally, checking counsellors are members of professional bodies, as well as using the NCPS and BACP directories. Use your checklist from step one to make sure the counsellor is able to meet your needs and provide what you are looking for.
You can learn more about counselling options available at Ripples Wellbeing here
Step three: Does it feel right?
The final step in finding the right counsellor for you is to meet with some and ask yourself does this feel like the right fit? Do I feel heard? Do I feel safe to speak openly?
Counselling is a challenging process, and regardless of which approach you choose, key to its success is the therapeutic relationship. It is this therapeutic relationship which provides the support for your work and positive growth.
So, try some counsellors out and find the one that feels right for you.
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