Counselling

[iwanttotalk]

Have NCd as DH knows I'm a MN regular and I feel this is so personal...

I need to talk to someone. I've been thinking about getting some professional counselling for a while. I have a weird relationship with my mother and think this has had an impact on my self esteem all my life.

I'm now hitting menopause and have started feeling more unhappy & erratic with behaviour...doing stupid things (getting drunk & behaving inappropriately as an example).

How do I find a good counsellor? Ive googled it area and there are just so many. Obviously, it's not something I want to ask around for a recommendation for!! But am wary about therapists with dodgy qualifications...

Any advice? Where can I go for help?

Hi, maybe you could have a look on this website?
www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/protecting-the-public/bacp-register/
They are all registered, and at least you know they will be qualified.
Good luck, it sounds like a good idea, to talk things through.

Hi @iwanttotalk
When you say you've "googled it area and there are just so many", I don't know what you mean.........and I assume we are talking about private counselling as opposed to NHS/voluntary sector, etc?
You need to "google" the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy", (BACP). Then you can refine your search regarding location, etc. Unfortunately anyone can call themselves a counsellor/therapist.
But those who belong to the BACP have their qualifications vetted, and they sign up to a very specific code of practice and complaints procedure, etc, which should allay your justified concerns about "dodgy qualifications".
But you will even then find that there are still lots of therapists/counsellors about!
If you don't feel able to ask around for recommendations, (perfectly understandable but nothing to be ashamed about), then it's a case of looking at profiles and seeing if any of them seem a good fit for you.
Many offer a free exploratory phone chat.
Finding the right therapist is so incredibly important, but perfectly achievable, and I wish you luck

@BlueistheNewme beat me to it whilst I was typing!

Are you working? Lots of employers give you access to free confidential counselling via an Employee Assistance Program and it can be a good place to start.

Thanks all for the v helpful advice.

Yes, it would be private counselling. @LindyLou2020 thank you - yes, that's exactly it. I'd want a qualified counsellor as I'm aware that anyone can technically set up as one. Thank you for the signpost to the BCAP.

It's all new territory for me so this is great. I do work in the public sector so would have access to a employee scheme. However, I'm in a position of some authority so wary of speaking to anyone at work if that makes sense.

Again, thank you