Choosing a Therapist is the first step on the road to becoming the best version of you.  But it can be confusing, particularly at a time when you are struggling with life’s challenges.  How do you go about not only choosing a therapist, but the right therapist for you?

There are some important practical questions you can ask potential therapists in order to help you make a decision.  Then there are the questions you need to ask yourself, where the answers are less easily defined but no less important.  Because whilst a therapist needs to have the skills and training to support you through your challenges, there also needs to be a human connection that allows you to feel safe, heard and supported by the right therapist.

The Practical Questions to ask your Therapist

Most therapists will offer a brief phone consultation during which you can explain your situation and ask questions.  Some of the practical questions you should ask of a therapist during this conversation include:

1. What are your qualifications? You are looking for someone with the right training to help you, especially if you are looking for a particular style of therapy.  Ideally, you are looking for a counsellor who is qualified, undertakes regular professional development, and uses evidence-based practices.
2. How long have you worked in this field? Generally, the more experience with clients a counsellor is able to draw on, the better.
3. How much experience do you have working with this specific issue? Many counsellors will specialise in a particular field, whether it’s women’s issues, couples or family therapy, or children’s and adolescent issues. A counsellor working primarily in the field where you need support will have the depth of experience to help you.
4. What are some realistic outcomes I can expect from our sessions? This might be a difficult one for your counsellor to answer on your first meeting.  It will depend on what challenges you are facing, how often you are able to meet, and how you engage in the process.  But a good counsellor should be able to give you a broad idea of the outcome, and how long it might take.
5. What therapeutic approach do you use? Everyone is different, and people respond differently to various therapeutic approaches.  What works for one will not necessarily work for another.  Your therapist should be able to work with a range of different therapies, and be able to clearly explain what they are and how they work.
6. Where are you located? Along with this you may like to ask what days and times the therapist works and whether Zoom or other session types are available.
7. What are your fees? Also ask whether a Medicare rebate is available and what cancellation policies the Therapist has in place.

The Questions to Ask Yourself

Once you have satisfied yourself that the counsellor has all the appropriate qualifications, experience, and skills to support you, it is time to move on to those less definable qualities that will make the difference between a good therapist and the right therapist for you.  These are questions you need to ask yourself.

8. Will I feel more comfortable with a male or a female therapist? For some people this doesn’t matter, but for many it does.  There is no right or wrong answer, it is entirely up to you.
9. Am I concerned about the age of my counsellor? Some people prefer to talk to someone their own age, others prefer someone older.  Think about who you would be more comfortable talking to.
10. Is it important to me to find someone from my own cultural or linguistic background? Counsellors are trained to work with people from all backgrounds, but you need to comfortable with this choice.
11. Do I feel comfortable with this therapist? Possibly the most important aspect of counselling is feeling comfortable and safe, and not everyone makes us feel that way.  Only you can tell if you feel that connection that will allow you to open up and be vulnerable in a way that will benefit you in your counselling.

GP Referrals

If you are asking for a referral from your GP, you will need the name and contact details of your Therapist to complete your Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).  If your doctor has recommended a therapist, give them a call before the MHCP is completed and make sure you are happy with their recommendation.  If not, don’t be afraid to research therapists, have a few conversations, then let your GP know who you would like to use.

Changing Therapists

It is essential to the success of your counselling for you to feel comfortable with your therapist.  For some people, an immediate connection is made and progress comes quickly, others may take a little time find a rhythm.  Don’t put yourself under pressure.  Give yourself and your counsellor time to get to know one another and build trust.

If, after a few sessions, you are not feeling the connection, don’t give up on counselling.  Look for another therapist.  It sometimes takes a few attempts to find someone who is right for you, especially if this is your first experience of counselling.  But the right therapist is out there, waiting to help you become your favourite version of yourself.

If you are looking for an experienced women’s counsellor, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 04090 687 289 or click here to see if we can make a connection.