How to choose a counsellor?

[nameymcnamechangerson]

Has anyone got any pointers on how to choose a counsellor? I have PTSD and generalized anxiety but I think there are a lot of issues going back to my childhood. There are lots of counsellors close to where I live but I'm not sure how to choose one. I have seen two counsellors in the past few years and they were both nice but not very helpful.

Thank you.

HI, I would recommend you look for a cognitive behavioural therapist on the Babcp website. www.babcp.com

For PTSD, emdr can be very helpful so may be worth seeing if they have any experience in this. Good Luck

I have PTSD and have lots of child/ teen issues. I see a private Person Centred counsellor and we talk (a lot) about the past and more recently, re connecting with feelings.

For PTSD you need someone with experience in EMDR ideally.

I'd recommend reading up on the different styles and see what sounds comfortable and helpful to you. (I personally would never go for emdr, for example, just because it's definitely not something I'd believe to be helpful to me or would feel comfortable with; but that's just me.) Then have a realistic think about how much you can afford to pay. These two alone might narrow the field down quite a bit.

Then definitely check that the counsellors are registered/licensed. BACP is a good source. You could also look or ask for information on how much experience the counsellor has on issues similar to yours, and with many you can agree to go for an initial chat without a commitment, to talk through their approach and see if they seem "right" for you.

BritteStick is right. When choosing a counsellor you need to be sure they are registered with a recognized body. BACP is good, but if you go to their website make sure you choose counsellors who are accredited by the BACP, and not simply members of it. BACP accredited counsellors have completed their clinical training and will be more experienced. The UKCP is another excellent source. Good luck.

EMDR is superb - it really helped me. Try Www.emdr.org.uk for a practitioner. Agree with BACP and UKCP websites too. Good luck

A good overview to the different types of therapy and what to expect can be found here:

psychcentral.com/psychotherapy/

Of interest?