The decision to seek counselling for a personal problem can seem like a big step. It’s a good start, but the next one – choosing a therapist – can seem even more challenging. 

I use the terms ‘therapy’ and ‘counselling’ interchangeably and as shorthand for ‘psychotherapy’

How do you go about it? The choice among the dozens of therapists is bewildering, with a confusing selection of different approaches to choose from. But, though it can make you wonder what you’re getting into when you are starting out, it’ll be worth the effort, and here’s a simple guide to help.

How do you begin?

Once you’ve made the decision to find a counsellor to work with, there’s no need to feel worried or uncertain about making the ‘right’ choice. The rule here is simple, find a therapist you feel comfortable with when you meet them, who respects you and your needs.

Avoid anyone who seems to think they have to blind you with science or convince you that their particular technique is best.

Don’t worry too much about the technicalities. There are dozens of different ‘schools’ of therapy, but even before you start reading up on these different types of therapy, there’s a more basic question which has to do with the term ‘therapy’.

Where healing starts

In this context, I’m talking about ‘talk-therapy’. ‘ Talk’ is obvious, and therapy just means healing. Anything which helps you grow and develop as a person is considered to be healing.

So therapy is about conversations which aim at improving some aspect of your life. Call it wellbeing, healing, or simply ‘sorting out your thinking’. You may be wanting help for something relating to your mental health, or due of a life event like loss or disappointment, or because you want to improve or change something in yourself.

Enquire about Therapy in Seaford, East Sussex or via Skype

Barry Winbolt is a solution-focused therapist and personal consultant. Based in East Sussex, in the UK, he works with individuals and couples at his Seaford office and worldwide via Skype. He has 30-years’ experience as a brief therapist, hypnotherapist, trainer and teacher. His driving idea is to show how easy it is to improve emotional wellbeing and to sweep away the doubts and uncertainties that often prevent people from sorting out the things that trouble them. In addition to his counselling practice, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience via his regular blog posts and videos.