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What to Look for When Choosing a Therapist

Session with a therapist

We all aim for a happy and healthy life. The word ‘health’ does not only refer to physical fitness but also includes mental and emotional well-being. You should be able to control and regulate the conflicts between your desires and the actual events in your life. You have to identify your emotions and shape the way you react to them. However, it is challenging for many of us to understand our mental processes and in difficult situations, you may struggle with depression and anxiety. Though your family can support you, they might not always have a viable solution. Therapists and counselors, on the contrary, are trained and better equipped to help you here. At Betty Stockley Counselling, you can get assistance for yourself, your family and children

Therapists listen to their clients carefully and show them alternative ways of resolving emotional conflicts. The basic steps involved in such conversations are:


1. Analyzing the issues and the influences of the past on the present

2. Comforting clients without bias

3. Diagnosing mental health conditions

4. Reducing the symptoms of mental illness

5. Teaching ways to deal with emotional,cognitive and professional conflicts


Tips to Find the Right Therapist


It is essential that you trust your counselor with your innermost feelings for the therapy to work. You will definitely not want to share anything with an inexperienced or ineffective practitioner. Take your time, and don’t make a rushed decision while choosing a therapist. Here are six essential factors you should consider for it: 1. Research Well and Narrow down the Options You can ask your friends and family or your regular doctor for their recommendations. The treatment will be successful only if you are able to form a bond with your therapist; be comfortable with the gender, race and ethnicity of your counselor. To narrow down the options, get in touch with the counselling centre and try to find out more about your potential therapist 2. Set Your Treatment Goal Identify realistic and obtainable changes which you want to bring about in your behavior. Don’t worry if you are unable to identify the emotions you need help with. Seek a therapist who can help you understand your struggles and the importance of the required treatment methods. This step will help you in:

  • Gaining insight into your problems and motivate you to fix them

  • Evaluating and assessing the progress of your treatment

3. Fully invest in the process Prepare to fully invest yourself in the process during the session. Enquire beforehand about the methods used by the therapist. Also, evaluate and understand if you want to focus on only a specific issue or want a long-term therapy. 4. Cost and Insurance cover It is always better to learn about the cost beforehand which varies depending on the centre. You can try negotiating and see if the final fee is appropriate for both you and the therapist. In addition, find out what your insurance will cover as well as the out-of-pocket costs 5. Check Licensing You should find out whether the therapist is licensed or not. Research and check their certifications and accreditations. 6. Settle in and Give Time If you don’t like the therapist, don’t be afraid to start a new search. Initially, you may need some courage to reveal with your innermost thoughts and feelings. Getting help is always worth it, so believe in the process and keep going. If you feel that the therapy is not helping you, there are always other therapists out there. It takes a lot of nerve to admit that you need psychological help. The effects will be life-changing, so make sure you find the most compatible therapist for yourself. It is a therapeutic process to open up, stay honest and be willing to receive help. Contact us today for quality counselling services. You can receive sessions individually or as a group with your family,as couples and with even your children.

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