More of us are having therapy – about 1.5 million a year in pre-pandemic Britain. Many therapists say that, since lockdown last March, they have been busier than ever, mostly seeing clients over Zoom.
The stigma long associated with seeking professional help is declining. Entertainers, footballers, politicians, royals – it can seem as if everyone is doing it. And with the move online, therapists’ fees are more affordable. But there is still a hurdle: how do you find the right one for you?
There are dozens, even hundreds, of different styles. Broadly speaking, some – including CBT – are more focused on relieving symptoms, while others, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, delve into your past to help you understand yourself and move forward. Many are integrative: a mix of the two. Therapists may also have areas of specialist training, such as couples counselling, or they may treat specific issues, such as addiction, trauma or eating disorders.
Research shows that key to the success of therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist, rather than their experience or therapy style. So it’s important to consider issues such as gender, age, sexuality, race and cultural background.
Location used to be important, but with so many therapists now working online, you may opt for one you never meet. There can be a disinhibiting effect for clients of being at home, though some cannot feel private enough in their surroundings, or want to be physically “in the room”.
Look for members of professional therapy associations such as BACP, BPS, UKCP, NCS and BABCP, which have directories. Or try the therapist-matching platform I founded, which uses a questionnaire to match your needs with others’ areas of expertise.
The cost of therapy varies a lot. Psychologists, hypnotherapists and CBT therapists tend to be dearer. Central London therapists can charge more than £100 for 50 minutes; those in less-populated areas may be as low as £30. Many therapists will see or talk to potential clients for free for an initial session, and concessions may be available.
• Louise Chunn is the CEO of welldoing.org.
