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More of us are in therapy – around 1.5 million a year in Britain before the pandemic. Many therapists say that since the lockdown last March they have been busier than ever, mostly seeing clients through Zoom.
The stigma associated with seeking professional help for a long time is diminishing. Artists, footballers, politicians, royals – it can seem like everyone does. And with the move online, therapist fees are more affordable. But there is still one obstacle: how do you find the right one for you?
There are dozens if not hundreds of different styles. Generally speaking, some – including CBT – are more focused on relieving symptoms, while others, like psychodynamic psychotherapy, delve into your past to help you understand yourself and move forward. . Many are integrative: a mixture of the two. Therapists may also have areas of specialized training, such as couples counseling, or they may address specific issues, such as addiction, trauma, or eating disorders.
Research shows that the key to successful therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist, rather than their experience or style of therapy. It is therefore important to take into account issues such as gender, age, sexuality, race and cultural background.
Location was once important, but with so many therapists now working online, you can pick one that you never meet. Being at home can have a disinhibiting effect on clients, although some may not feel intimate enough in their surroundings or want to be physically “in the room”.
Look for members of professional therapy associations such as BACP, BPS, and UKCP, which have directories. Or try the Therapist Matching Platform I founded, which uses a quiz to match your needs with the areas of expertise of others.
The cost of therapy varies a lot. Psychologists, hypnotherapists, and CBT therapists tend to be more expensive. Therapists in central London can charge over £ 100 for 50 minutes; those in less populated areas can be as low as £ 30. Many therapists will see or talk to potential clients for free for a first session, and concessions may be available.
• Louise Chunn is the CEO of welldoing.org.
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