Finding the right therapist in London
Finding the right therapist in London
Finding a therapist in central London can be a daunting task. There are so many options out there, and it can be hard to know where to start. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to find the "right fit" for talking therapy. Unfortunately, I have had the misfortune of meeting some really crazy therapists in London. I can attest that not every counselling practice should be open to the public and those who are vulnerable. I have also had the good fortune of meeting the right therapist in London too, through word of mouth and persistence. In this article, I will recommend a few tips from an insider that will help you to find the perfect therapist for you. If you are reading this article, I recommend you look at the therapists at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling Ltd, we all have over 10 years of counselling experience and offer a complimentary first session. Our therapists are based in central london and work online for your convenience. I myself have over 30,000 hours of counselling experience and would love the opportunity to speak with you. Now on to my tips on how to find the right therapist for you!
Remember, you have to be able to breath before you can drive your Maserati
What do you need when it comes to a therapist? When I ask my clients questions about their needs I am never surprised at how many don't know how to articulate what they need. Then again, I have been an integrative psychotherapist and sexologist for more than 15 years. I can assure you that we have more in common with people we see daily than we do different. Being a therapist gives me a special vantage point into the common relationship difficulties or personal issues we all face, we have more in common than you think.
I find that most of the time, my clients can speak about what they want, but have tremendous issues speaking about what they need. The title of this exert is a special tool I teach my clients, so they can remember what to focus upon when they are trying to find a way forward. You need to be able to breath first before you can drive your Maserati, (my dream car as I love how they sound when driven). First, I recommend you consider what your needs are. What are you looking for help with? Do you need individual counselling or relationship counselling? Do you need someone who specializes in anxiety or depression? Perhaps you are interested in your own personal development? Do you want someone who uses a certain type of therapy, like psychodynamic psychotherapy, or online counselling.
What if I don't know what I need to speak about?
Don't worry if you are unable to pin point exactly what you need help with. The inability to put your finger on the problems is often an issue in itself and some people need help with finding their life's direction or have fears of taking greater control of their lives. The result, many people come to therapy knowing that something needs to change, but can't articulate what exactly. Only an experienced therapist would be able to help clients in this position understand what they are afflicted with, explain why and most importantly, teach them how they can overcome the issue with clarity and direction they are experiencing. Once you know what you need, you can start to narrow down your options.
How much?
Second, take into account your budget. I recommend that you keep in mind, the expression "The cheapest is never the best and the best is never the cheapest." If you had a heart condition, you wouldn't want to go to the cheapest cardiologist, you would want the very best. The same is also true for mental health. The best professionals are not cheap. Their years of experience and knowledge on how exactly to work with mental health issues is worth the price. Therapy can literally be life saving and life transforming. While therapy can be expensive, it’s important to find someone you can afford, it might be helpful to save up money first if you are going private. Most mental health issues are not an emergency and you can usually wait to treat them if your budget is an issue. Finally, there are a number of ways to find affordable therapy, such as using your insurance, an employee assistance programme, looking for sliding scale therapists, or checking out community mental health centers.
Location, Location, Location...
Third, think about what kind of environment you would feel most comfortable in. Do you want to see a therapist who has their own therapy practice in central london? Or would you prefer to go to a community mental health center? Have you considered or tried online therapy in the comfort of your own home?
Online therapy
Online therapy is considered by many to be the most effective method of working with mental health issues because it offers so many advantages over traditional office based appointments. Research is also showing this to be true also, but most who have already tried online therapy or give online therapy could have told you this themselves. Online therapy offers many advantages, over traditional in-person therapy. Online treatment offers:
increased accessibility, you can have treatment anywhere you have Internet
flexibility, online line therapy offers a greater amount of appointments
confidential space, you can have increased privacy if you have therapy in your home
Personal issues can be demonstrated in their natural setting with online therapy, making the treatment of them less abstract and more hands-on
supportive environment, online therapy can be with you wherever you find yourself as long as you have internet service
increased convenience, busy? Have therapy on your lunch break at work or while you are walking the dog. Online therapy can fit around your lifestyle.
saves time, no more wasted time rushing across central london to sit on an uncomfortable sofa
saves money on transport, no more wasted money on petrol or public fares
has a lower CO2 impact, you help the planet as you don’t have to travel
Lowers risk of missed sessions due to unexpected events, you never have to miss an appointment as long as you can find a private space to speak
You can work with world’s best therapists despite your location
With online therapy, addicts can receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes. This can be a vital lifeline for those who live in areas with limited access to addiction treatment facilities. In addition, online therapy offers greater flexibility than in-person therapy, allowing addicts to schedule sessions around their other commitments. And finally, online therapy is often more convenient than an in-person therapy practice, as it eliminates the need to travel to and from appointments. Consider what will make you feel the most comfortable and safe when discussing sensitive topics.
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, there are people who can help you find the right therapist. You can start by talking to your doctor, contacting a mental health foundation.
Therapists london and beyond
It can be difficult to find the right therapist, especially if you are new to London. With so many therapists to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind that will help you find the right therapist for you. First, consider what type of therapy you are looking for. Do you need someone who specializes in anxiety disorders? Are you looking for a therapist who uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or perhaps are considering integrative counselling?
Once you have a good idea of the type of therapy you need, you can start searching for therapists who specialize in that area. You can also ask your GP for recommendations for individual counselling. Another good place to look is online directories such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website. Here you can search for therapists by location and specialty. Finally, don't be afraid to ask around. If you know someone who has seen a therapist before, they may be able to give you a good recommendation. Keep these things in mind and you will be sure to find the right therapist for you.
Common problems with finding the right therapist in London
One of the most common problems when trying to find the right therapist is that people do not know where to start looking. There are many resources available, but it can be difficult to know which ones are reputable and which ones are not. Speaking with friends and family members about who they would recommend as a therapist is always a good place to start. In the past 10 years, the topic of mental health has become common place in London and the United Kingdom. Fortunately, the days where speaking about needing counselling would be seen as a weakness are gone. Now it is more common to get strange looks during lunch if you mention that you have problem and don't mention you are doing anything about it.
Which therapy method is right for me?
In addition, there are many different therapy modalities, and it can be hard to know which one will be the best fit for your needs. Research shows that the therapy modality used to treat the overall symptoms or issues matters less than the relationship you develop with your therapist. Most people come to therapy looking to understand themselves better or to resolve problems. The primary difference in therapy modalities are the theories behind them and the language they use to describe human experiences. It is worth remembering that there are good and bad therapists who practice all sorts of modalities. Some therapists defiantly reinforce the cliché that the therapists needs more therapy than their patients.
Are you serious?
One of my favourite examples of this was once when I was in the communal kitchen making a cup of coffee in between my sessions. A fellow therapists from another practice came into the kitchen and went to get some kitchen roll. I told her that there was no more kitchen roll and then she asked me "What does it look like?" You, the reader need some context to understand why this question was so shocking, she was a British women who spoke English fluently, was in her 40's and didn't know what kitchen roll looked like. I thought "Oh my god, this is a person who is responsible for the mental health of others and she can't even understand what kitchen roll is...." I was worried for her clients, but more concerned about not being late for my next session and promptly left the kitchen feeling sad for her clients.
Another common problem is that people may suffer from low self esteem, feel embarrassed or ashamed about attending sessions. This is particularly true for men, who may feel like they need to be strong and self-reliant. Finally, cost can also be a barrier to seeking therapy, as some insurance plans do not cover mental health services. However, there are many ways to get around this issue, such as using sliding-scale fee structures or choosing a therapist who accepts you insurance. Despite these challenges, finding the right therapist is possible with a little effort and perseverance.
Common mental health problems
Mental health problems are more common than many people realize, even young people suffer from mental health issues. In any given year, close to one in five adults in the United States will experience a mental illness, and one in 25 will experience a serious mental illness that significantly interferes with daily life. Mental health problems can take many different forms, from anxiety and depression, substance abuse, personality disorders, binge eating disorder, issues with self awareness, panic attacks, sexual problems, family problems, relationship problems, low mood, schizophrenia and many more. No matter what form they take, mental health problems can have a profound effect on a person's ability to function in everyday life. Psychotherapy can help you to understand the underlying causes of the mental health issues you are experiencing. Counselling provides a non judgemental space for you to work on the issues you are experiencing with a counsellor.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include changes in mood, thinking, and behaviour. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health problem, it's important to seek professional help. With treatment, many people are able to manage their symptoms and live happy, productive lives.
Conclusion on talking therapies
As anyone who has ever experienced a mental health issue can attest, talking about your problems is often the first step towards feeling better. In fact, research has shown that talk therapy, also known as counselling or psychotherapy, can be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health issues. Talking therapy can provide relief from symptoms of work related stress, eating disorders, anxiety, relationship issues, and depression.
Yet despite its efficacy, many people still have never had therapy and may feel reluctant or scared to try. For those who who have never experienced therapy, I strongly suggest you give it a try. I know it can be life changing and saving. If it was not for the work I did with a therapist when I was an adolescent, I would be dead today. The powerful life transforming effects of speaking with someone who actually listened and cared about what I was thinking and feeling had never happened to me before. Outside of therapy I felt invisible and did not realise the effects this was having on my mental health until I was told I was depressed by my family and treated for it. Hope is available. Change is possible.
Getting help to improve overall well-being and daily functioning is a smart decision. Talking therapy can help people to develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and adversity. Whether you are struggling with a mental health issue or just looking to improve your well-being, talking therapy may be right for you. If you're interested in finding the right therapist, the therapists at Autonomous Psychotherapy & Counselling can offer you a free first session. The is absolutely no risk or obligation on your part. All you need to do is contact us today via our website or WhatApp and we will schedule your first free session and start getting you to a better place.
