What should I look for?

Whether you see a Counsellor or a Psychotherapist, you should make sure they are accredited, either with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), or with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Both of these organisations issue codes of ethics to which their members have to keep.

Accreditation takes some years to achieve and involves a great deal of training and experience. Many counsellors and psychotherapists are working towards accreditation. They can, in the meantime, be members of either BACP or UKCP. This doesn't mean that they are accredited, but is an indication that they abide by the Code of Ethics of the organisation they belong to. Many will be good counsellors or psychotherapists and will have a lot of experience - and may well be cheaper!

The qualities you look for will depend on the kind of therapy you have decided upon -so it's worthwhile thinking about what kind of counselling or therapy you'd feel comfortable with. Ask around! You might like the sound of someone you hear about.

When you meet them, do you feel OK with them?

Do you feel they listen to you?

Do you feel safe enough?

Is the place where you meet them warm and welcoming? Is it convenient?

After you've left, do you feel you want to meet them again?

At your first meeting, you'll almost certainly talk about money! Think about what you can reasonably afford, and tell them if their fee is too high. This isn't always easy with someone you're meeting for the first time, but don't worry: a good therapist will usually be happy to agree a cost that's fair to both them and you. For more information on cost, click here.

You can contact a psychotherapist or counsellor yourself in order to see them privately, or you may be able to get a referral from your doctor (some GP’s can refer you to an NHS counsellor for a short four or six weekly sessions). For information to guide you in finding a therapist, click here.