I don't post on the thread, but I've read it here and there.
I'm in counselling following the sudden breakdown of my marriage, and the thing I've found most beneficial about it is dealing with the (m)other component, whose behaviour in my divorce, has only been bested by the STBXH, so I'd recommend it.
It's given me a place to vent safely, and given me a feeling of "permission" to get angry and also feel comfortable about distancing her from my life at this difficult time.
To give you a sense of perspective, my DM invited herself to my house, despite saying no, sat on my sofa one day to tell me how my divorce was 'ruining her life' and that I should be more supportive and sympathetic to her. And in the next breath telling me I just needed to get over him.
Yes - she's a legend in her own lifetime!
I initially went through 'yellow pages' and read any that advertised with a website. This got me to a counsellor that I just didn't click with so I stopped until things became too bad for me to cope anymore (following a visit to the (m)other component's house, co-incidentally).
Also, look at how many years they've been practising. Gender (yes, I know we shouldn't but...)
The next time I went through an agency, again supplied by the yellow pages, and had a chat with a placement officer, who found me a woman, same name and age as my mother (bizarrely). She's a bit 'out there' for my liking, I've found her hyponotherapy did help with the anxiety and panic attacks immensely (not having had them before). The numerology less so! Lots of practical ideas, some visualising techniques, etc really work for me, some don't. But it's good to get ideas. Mostly I just want her listen - and she does.
My mother most strongly disapproves of her. Go figure.
Going through your GP may be cheaper, but I gather there's long waiting lists.
HTH