CHOOSING A THERAPIST

The client/therapist relationship is, in itself a critical part of the work. Although counsellors and psychotherapists may use similar terms to describe their therapeutic approach (psychodynamic, gestalt, CBT, etc.), it does not define them as people or how you will experience them.

It is important that you feel both comfortable with and able to connect to whoever you work with. So consider asking questions on the telephone or in your first session that might aid you in making a choice.

THERAPY AGREEMENTS

All therapists have some sort of working contract, whether written or verbal which should clearly define costs and length of sessions, required notice before ending and what happens in situations of cancelled sessions, sickness etc. After the initial consultation it is common practice to commit to a minimum number of sessions, usually around 6.

DURATION OF COUNSELLING/THERAPY

Psychotherapy isn't magic, though magical things can happen. So while some people may achieve what is desired in a few sessions, others will choose more since the process of self-awareness is like unwrapping an onion – layer upon layer.

The challenge is to see and understand what we are doing – to develop the capacity to be objective to ourselves – and so become our own therapist. "How can you change what you're doing until you know what you're doing?" Therapy helps to question personal beliefs and behaviour that may have been established in childhood (often unconscious) and that no longer serve the adult self.