Tips for finding a therapist
Decided it’s time to speak to a counsellor or therapist? Finding someone right for you is a process.
There is a great deal of jargon that can be hard to navigate, but taking the time to find someone right for you is worth the effort.
At the bottom of this post, there are some options for no- and low-cost counselling and therapy in Manchester and national organisations.
Make sure they’re qualified
Speaking to a counsellor or therapist who is registered with a membership organisation means you’ll find someone who is qualified and required to meet certain ethical standards.
I’m registered with the BACP (counsellors and psychotherapists) and UKCP (psychotherapists), but there are others such as the BABCP. You could also search directories who check credentials such as Counselling Directory, Psychology Today, Pink Therapy and the Black and Asian Therapists Network. These often include more search categories if you are looking for something specific; for example, a therapist who is LGBT+ affirmative.
What kind of therapy?
There are hundreds of different types of therapy out there – it can feel like a minefield. Top points:
Most counsellors and therapists integrate various therapeutic approaches. But they largely fall into one of three camps: cognitive behavioural; humanistic (e.g. person-centred); and psychodynamic. If you want to know more about different types of counselling and therapy, here is a useful online guide.
If you aren’t sure, reading the online directory profiles of some counsellors and therapists near you can be helpful. What speaks to you?
What do you want from counselling / therapy?
Before starting your search, consider your therapy goals. Some questions to ask yourself:
Do you struggle with a specific aspect of your life such as addiction, grief or social anxiety?
Do you have a timeframe in mind? Some clients are looking for short-term therapy (e.g. 6 sessions), others are looking for a longer term arrangement. What’s best for you?
Are you looking for a counsellor or therapist with specific training or lived experience?
Are you looking for online sessions or in-person sessions?
The answers to these questions will help guide you in the process.
Is there a difference between “counsellor” or “psychotherapist”? Some say yes, some say no, some say maybe. I believe that psychotherapy is deeper work which is reflected in the UKCP’s training requirements (minimum number of personal therapy hours, usually 4 years of training and a postgraduate-level qualification).
Take your time with profiles
What appeals to you is very personal, and it’s worth taking the time to check out what potential counsellors and therapists say.
Do they use language that appeals to you?
Are they in a location that’s convenient or offer online therapy (if that’s what you’re looking for)?
Is this someone you might feel comfortable talking to about what’s going on for you?
You absolutely can approach more than one person.
No cost / low-cost options
There are many services available throughout the UK offering no- or low-cost counselling / therapy, although there may be a waiting list and you may not get to choose your counsellor or therapist.
NHS: Counselling or therapy provided through the NHS should be free of charge. You can approach your GP for more information and MIND has some guidance here on discussing your mental health with them.
IAPT: You can also self-refer directly to a local IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service which should be free.
Third sector organisations: these often provide counselling / therapy on a no or low cost basis. You can search by postcode here. Some national charities also offer lower cost therapy and counselling, such as Anxiety UK.
In the Manchester area, these are some useful organisations to check out for low or no cost therapy / counselling:
