How to Choose a Therapist

1. Shop around. Contact at least three suitable therapists and try to get as much information from each one before making a decision between them.

2. Ask for a free consultation. This may be over the telephone or possibly face-to-face. Most therapists will be willing to give you an opportunity to talk without commitment before making a decision whether to proceed with treatment.

3. Ask what qualifications your therapist possesses. If you don’t understand what they mean, make sure you obtain clarification on the length and nature of the main training undertaken.

4. Ask how long your therapist has been in practice for.

5. Ask what your therapist’s supervision arrangements are. Most therapists meet with a clinical supervisor at least once a month throughout their career.

6. Ask what their fees are and whether any other terms apply at the earliest possible opportunity. Ideally, you should have a rough idea how much a course of therapy is likely to cost before booking your initial appointment, though therapists may only be able to give an approximate estimate of the total number of sessions at this stage.

7. Ensure your therapist is a member of a suitable professional organisation like the REBHP.