Don't take a risk with those you are trusting to help you

The importance of finding an experienced and fully qualified therapist

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More and more people are realising the benefits of counselling. Looking after your mental health is as important as looking after your physical health.

But the difficulty can be knowing what to look for in a counsellor. The right ‘fit’ for you is important and this will be explored in the first session.

It is vitally important however, to make sure that you are seeing a fully qualified, properly trained and experienced therapist.

This can be a minefield as the profession is not yet regulated. This means that anyone can undertake a home study or short online course from training providers who will give out ‘certificates’ or ‘diplomas’ stating that you have passed a course to become a psychotherapist or counsellor. This does not mean that the ‘therapist’ is trained sufficiently to be able to deliver a professional service.

Lots of people mistakenly assume that being a therapist is about being kind, empathic and giving good advice. In fact, it requires rigorous training, years of self-development and the ability to be able to make psychological contact with a client; achieve unconditional positive regard and empathy without giving in to any urge to give advice or be swept away with your own subconscious unresolved issues.