How to I find the right counsellor/therapist

[anotherglass]

I'm going through a tough time at the moment with marriage break-up and other family related issues. The stress has affected my sleep and am having anxiety. I would like to try counselling but am unsure as to how to go about picking someone who will be best suited to help me. Plus, the various qualifications and therapies on offer is a bit of a minefield.
Can anyone help with tips on fwhat to ask/look for in a therapist? What should I expect from a counsellor as opposed to a psychotherapist? Any other advice/tips gratefully received.
Many thanks

Oooo, therapy was the best thing I have ever done in my life! It didn't solve all my problems and I'm looking at going back but it was deffinately a good move. I looked at the british councillors association (I think thats what its called) website. They have profiles for each therapist in your area which also tells you what they specialise in and how much they change etc. Make sure you choose one that is accredited tho x

Terms are a bit vague but many counsellors work on a person centred basis, meaning that you as the client lead the process and talk about what you want to talk about with some input and insight from them, whereas psychotherapy involves a bit more digging and looking at childhood, upbringing and persona.

I can recommend psychotherapy if you at all suspect that your current problems are rooted in your childhood. Other than that the most important thing is that you find someone safe whom you click with and can work with.

bacp is a good start - you can ring a few and see who you click with. I've had 3 different therapists and counsellors (deep seated childhood issues) - One via the NHS, one from a specialist charity signposted to by the NHS and one found privately via BACP who was totally ace.

Thanks very much. What qualifications do you need to become psychotherapist? One potential therapist has diplomas and an MA in analytic therapy. What does that mean?

Ok, bacp is the main accredited body. Counselling directory gives you a good selection of qualified, insured proper therapists.

Honestly you need someone who has at the very least this after their name.

BSc, MA, MBACP. Their are some very good counsellors with less but if your paying I'd want the most qualified! Within theory a psychotherapist must have a level 7 qualification (post grad degree ie MA). Counsellors only require a diploma (first 2 yrs of degree).

The approach used isn't that important IMO. It's more about how you relate to the person. Pick a few, give them a ring/ send them an email and go with the one you like the best.

Good luck

Oh and both counselling and psychotherapy consider your past. It's more about the level of training that indicated how deep a therapist will work with you.

Counsellors with an MA qualification will do the same thing as a psychotherapist because they are more rigorously trained. I know it's confusing