Choosing the right Counsellor/Psychotherapist

Recommendations for a person to consider before selecting/attending a Psychotherapist/Counsellor.

People frequently use the words "psychotherapy," "counselling" and "therapy" to convey the same thing.

A Clarification on the difference

Counselling is typically a brief treatment that targets a specific symptom or situation, such as family issues or grief. At the same time, Psychotherapy is usually a longer-term treatment consisting of a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help you identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviours through conversations with a professionally qualified mental health therapist. It can help with several different issues, ranging from stress and relationship challenges to mental health conditions.

Psychotherapy should always take place with an experienced (minimum ten years post qualification/accreditation) trained and accredited mental health professional, such as a Psychologist, Clinical Psychotherapist, or Psychiatrist, who can provide support, education, and guidance to you (your partner as in Couple therapy) and/or your family to enable you to function better and increase your well-being.

Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies or as a standalone treatment.

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Five Important Suggestions to consider before selecting a Psychotherapist/Counsellor

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It may be helpful to ask a potential therapist the following questions:

➤Look for professional accreditation with a Recognised body such as the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), British Psychological Society (BPS), Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapists (IAHIP)

➤The Nature of your proposed therapist's training. Ask questions about the duration of the therapist training/professional supervision. What Irish /British recognised University validated and awarded their degree/postgrad.

➤Clinical Experience Counts. How many years of training/Accreditation experience does the therapist have? (Minimum of 10 years recommended)

➤Discuss the type of therapy your potential therapist provides or specialises in and consider how it may fit your objectives/needs.

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➤Policy on phone calls during your therapy session (therapist/client), phone calls during the week and cancellation policy.