Information to support your choice

It’s worth knowing that counselling and psychotherapy in the UK are not regulated by the government. That means — however unethical — anyone can technically call themselves a ‘therapist’ and begin practising. The good news is that there are several main professional bodies, accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, that uphold strong standards of training, ethics, and accountability.

Therefore, a good starting point would be to check whether a person is:

• Professionally qualified and registered with a recognised organisation 
• Experienced in working with the kind of concerns you want help with.
• Ethical and bound by a professional code of conduct, which includes confidentiality, ongoing training, and accountability.
• If not on their website, it is okay to ask and then to check up. 

What kind of therapy is right for me?    

Different therapists work in different ways. Some offer counselling, which may be shorter-term and focused on specific issues. Others offer psychotherapy, which often involves deeper, longer-term work on patterns, relationships, or long-standing difficulties.

• Do they tell you about the different theories / approaches that inform their personal approach - how do you feel about each of them and as a whole? 
• Read short overviews of therapy types.
• Ask therapists how they work and whether their style fits your needs.
• Reflect on whether you want to focus mainly on the present, look back at the past, or both.
• Ultimately, though, as research evidence consistently demonstrates, it is the relationship matters more than the method.
• General guide - Short-term is 2 to 12 weeks. Medium term 12 to 20 weeks and long-term open-ended is from 20 weeks onwards. 

What should I look for in a therapist? 

The most important question to ask yourself is: How do I feel with this person?

You might want to consider:

• Do I feel safe, heard, and respected?
• Do I feel comfortable enough to be honest?
• Can I imagine building trust over time, especially during more difficult conversations?

A good counsellor and/or psychotherapist won’t judge you or rush you. They’ll welcome your questions — about how they work, their experience, fees, and anything else on your mind. Many offer an initial free / reduced fee consultation, and that’s a great way to get a feel for whether it’s a good fit.

Practical things to consider

• Location: Is it easy to get to? Does the timing work with your schedule?
• Session fees: What’s included? Is there a cancellation policy?
• Format: Do you prefer to work in-person, online, or by phone?
• Availability: A busy diary isn’t a bad sign — many therapists have waiting lists, especially those with strong word-of-mouth reputations.

A few final thoughts - 

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking.

You’re allowed to shop around — this is about your wellbeing.

You’re in control. Therapy is a personal process, and the relationship should support you.

Be mindful of whom may be recommending an organisation or therapist. Are you being 'influenced", and if so, why?  

Does a therapist actually adhere to their governing bodies ethical codes? 

At its heart, therapy is a relationship — one where you can be met with care, attention, and honesty. That begins with choosing someone you feel okay being yourself with.

All of the main organisations, governing bodies and training providers have information about choosing a counsellor and/or psychotherapist. Have a look and ask them questions.