If you are new to counselling, it can be challenging to pick the right therapist. There are so many different approaches and ways to work with counsellors in Cornwall – hopefully, this little guide can help.
Qualifications & Membership.
Choosing the right counsellor who has appropriate qualifications and professional membership is essential, especially in a profession that doesn’t have a protected title. This means that people with basic qualifications can call themselves a ‘Counsellor’, which puts clients at risk. A professional body, such as the BACP, means your counsellor will work to an ethical code of conduct that requires them to practice within certain boundaries and standards. They will be required to prove ongoing professional development and have monthly supervision. You can view Ryan’s BACP counselling profile here as an example.
Counselling Approach
Every counsellor has a personal therapeutic style; some may be more directive, while others might take a more exploratory approach. It’s essential to find someone whose style resonates with you, but if you’re new to counselling, it can be hard to know what that approach might be.
In most cases, the counselling approach is not the biggest factor in a successful outcome with the relationship, therapeutic alliance, client expectations and client motivation playing a bigger role in a successful outcome.
Make use of a Free Consultation.
Like most counsellors, we offer a free 20-minute no-obligation exploration call to learn about your needs and ensure we’re a good fit. This works both ways, as we want to ensure you get the right help. We encourage you to consider calling a couple of counsellors to find the right one; you may need to trust your gut here. It can be challenging when you are struggling to have the confidence to reject a counsellor, and it’s not easy to tell your story to one stranger, let alone several to make an informed decision.
Don’t Feel Trapped!
The relationship is important for building the foundation to allow you the space to do the difficult work, so after a few sessions, reflect on how you feel. If you find that it’s not a good fit, it’s perfectly OK to explore other options.
I know it can be hard but it’s nothing personal and a good therapist won’t take it that way. I am always happy to explore options with clients and may even have recommendations for alternative support. We want you to make the right choice for you, even if that means choosing someone else.
Reviews
Due to the confidential nature of the work, not all counsellors receive online reviews so it can be hard to gauge opinions this way. Personal referrals from friends or family can be valuable, but what works for them may not work for you, especially as you will be seeking help for different issues.
Trust Your Intuition
Ultimately, trust your instincts about the relationship. Feeling understood, respected, safe and supported by your counsellor is key. Research shows that the relationship is one of the most important factors in creating the space for change, but ultimately it’s your motivation and desire to do change that will give the greatest chance for success.
Choosing a counsellor is a step towards empowerment, growth and healing. Take your time to find someone who aligns with your needs and values. Your journey is important, and the right support can make a massive difference.
If you are looking for a counsellor, arrange a no-obligation call to find out more.
Photo by Dillon Hunt