Choosing a therapist is an important decision that can significantly affect your mental health journey. To make sure you get the best care, it's vital to know what makes a good therapist and how to find a good therapist. In this blog, we'll explore the qualifications and credentials you should look for when choosing a therapist. We want to help you make an informed choice in finding the right person for your needs.
1. Education and Training:
Check that your therapist has a bachelors degree or equivalent as well as a post graduate qualification in the field/therapy that they are offering.
2. Accreditation:
Check if the therapist is accredited with the relevant organisation. Accreditation shows that the therapist meets the high standards required to practice. For instance our CBT therapists are accredited with the BABCP and counsellors are accredited with the BACP.
3. Specialised Training and Experience:
Think about what kind of therapy you need and what you want to work on. Some therapists have extra training in specific types of therapy, like CBT, EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, CFT. They might also have experience with certain groups, like children, couples, or trauma survivors.
4. Clinical Experience:
Find out how much experience the therapist has. Ask about the issues they've worked with and if they've helped people with problems like yours.
5. Supervision:
Good therapists often get advice from more experienced therapists. This helps them follow the rules, get better at their job, and learn new things. For most accredited therapists in the UK, supervision is a must. Check that your therapist is receiving supervision.
6. Cultural Competence:
Make sure the therapist is culturally competent and sensitive to diverse backgrounds and identities. A competent psychotherapist recognises and respects the impact of culture on an individual's experiences and tailors treatment accordingly.
7. Ethical Standards:
Therapists must follow rules about keeping things private, being respectful, and making sure you feel safe. Check if the therapist acts this way.
Picking the right therapist is a big step in your journey to feeling better. By looking at their education, accreditation, training, experience, and how they are with you in sessions, you can find the one that suits you.
We have CBT therapists, EMDR therapists and counsellors. If you would like to discuss therapy with one of our therapists, please don’t hesitate to arrange a free consultation.