So you're looking for a therapist...
- nikitamoody
- Aug 2, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 28
Once you've made the big decision to invest in yourself and engage with therapy, you have to navigate the confusion of finding the right therapist for you.
If you go into Google and search 'therapy in Reading', you get millions of results. Nobody has time for that so how are you supposed to find someone who can help you? There are lots of options but here is how I've helped people narrow things down a bit.
Consider what you need in the following themes so you can make use of filters on counselling and therapy directories (note: counsellor and therapist are terms which are often used interchangeably, no time to go into that here):
Do you want online, telephone or in person sessions? Since the pandemic, therapy has become more accessible in many ways so decide what will suit you best to narrow down your options.
Do you want to work with someone of a specific gender, sexuality, race, age group? Whatever reasons you might have for it are yours to hold, identify your preferences if you have any.
Is there a certain therapy modality you're looking for? There are so many different approaches to therapy, click here for a long (but not full) list from the BACP. If you have a clear idea of what you want, use this to further hone your search.
Do you have a specific issue that you need support with? For a lot of therapists, we work with whatever a client brings so have varied experiences with different issues. Some therapists have specialised in particular fields so look out for mention of that if you know exactly what you want help with.
What is your budget? Now, this can be the most difficult one to figure out! As with all services, the price range charged by therapists varies hugely. It is not always the case that the lower fees are the less experienced or skilled practitioners either. There are many factors that go into setting fees but, as a client, you need a clear idea of what you are willing and able to pay.
Once you've reflected on the above points, head to any of the therapist directories and make use of their filters in the search tools. You may still have a lot of people to choose from but it should be a few less than the millions of results that Google retrieves. The useful thing about going to the directories is that people listed will have had to show proof of their qualifications via their membership bodies so you can rest assured that Sally down the road who says she might as well be a therapist listening to her friends complaining all the time cannot just sign herself up.
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