It takes a lot of courage to contact a therapist about your issues. For some the stigma of seeing a mental health professional still exists.

Many people will have struggled with anxiety, depression or low self esteem for years. Finally something happens and they snap – they’ve had enough. They decide that it’s time to get some help with their problems.

This is not an easy decision to come to. But the next decision is even harder – “who do I go and see?”

Where possible you should always go with recommendations. Has a family member, GP or friend recently seen someone they can recommend? If yes great, if not then you need to do some research.

There are various directories such as the counselling directory and the hypnotherapy directory which will list counsellors and therapists in your area.
Although it’s important to go with a professional who is fully qualified and insured to practice it’s also very important to go with a therapist that “feels” right. In the same way that many clients have different personalities many therapists have too. Finding the one that is the right “fit” will make all the difference to the therapy.

Trying your therapist on for size:

• Does the therapist reply to your enquiry emails/calls in a way that makes you feel respected?
• Do they answer your queries and make you feel that they have time for you before you get to the actual paying therapy stage?
• Do they use language that you can understand rather than baffle you with psycho babble?
• Do they pick up on the things you say and relate them back to you so that you feel heard and understood?
• Do they make you feel a sense of relief that you’ve actually found someone who can help you?
• Does reading their website and profile make you feel that they’re “your kind of person”?

If you can answer yes to all of the above then you’ve more than likely found the right therapist for you.

The rapport between a therapist and client is very, very important. You must choose a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Improvements can start to be made at the very first contact if you’re with the right therapist.

The definition of rapport is an especially harmonious or sympathetic relationship. Therapy is a two-way process and it’s vitally important that client and therapist can trust and have confidence in each other. In my opinion, the better the rapport, the better the therapy.

Your therapy environment should be safe, confidential and free from judgement.

You’re paying your hard earned money for your sessions so this is what you should expect to receive.

Although you’re dealing with issues that may be extremely painful your therapy doesn’t have to feel painful. A good therapist will make you feel so comfortable that you’ll actually look forward to your sessions.

Don’t suffer a moment longer. See somebody about your issues. Just make sure that you choose wisely.