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Choosing a Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Introduction

This directory lists both counsellors and psychotherapists who work in many different ways. Whilst care is taken to validate their stated professional qualifications HACP does not make an assessment of nor guarantee their standard of work. However, these Practitioners belong to one of the recognized National Professional organizations such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or The United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy. Such organizations operate their own codes of ethics and practice and also have a complaints procedure helping to assure you that you are enlisting the help of someone who has your best interests at heart and who is working professionally.

What Is Counselling or Psychotherapy?

Some people use the terms Counselling and Psychotherapy interchangeably, others, from well-established traditions, distinguish between them. There is much overlap between the two. However, the distinction is not one which need greatly concern anyone seeking help: most practitioners want to be sure that what they offer is appropriate for the client before there is any commitment on either side. It is a contractual arrangement undertaken at the request of the client: no one can be "sent" for counselling. Counselling/Psychotherapy will help you make decisions but the practitioner will not tell you what to do - the process helps people who are ready to explore a difficulty or distress; understand some personal issue, dissatisfaction or loss, make a life change or adjustment and so on. It is about understanding and change.

What qualifications and experience should I look for?

All practitioners in this directory have listed their experience and qualifications and their certificates will have been scrutinized by a member of the HACP Committee. It would however be appropriate for you to ask them any questions that you wish regarding their way of working if you are unclear. Whilst both counsellors and psychotherapists place importance on their own personal therapy - it is generally only counsellors who are required by their national body to receive supervision - a confidential relationship which helps them to evaluate their work and access the support they might need . The specific approach of the therapist is not as important as is finding someone who you feel you can trust and work closely with - you may need to follow your instincts!.

Your first session

You may wish to check if the first session is free or not: some practitioners may charge after the first 30 minutes if you decide you wish to continue to complete the hour, or not charge at all. Others consider the first session chargeable and may take between 50 and 90 minutes to see whether you can work together with your particular issues . You will agree on the fee, the times that you might meet and whether this will be at regular or irregular intervals. Confidentiality will be discussed as well as charges made for cancellations and how any records may be kept. Most importantly, the first session is a time when you both decide if you have the basic "chemistry" to build an effective therapeutic or working relationship. You may decide that this is not the therapist for you and you may want to make contact with other therapists before you feel able to choose. As far as possible try to be clear about what you want. Your aims form the basis for your time together and the outcomes you are hoping for.

We hope this brief overview has been helpful to you.