About choosing a GOOD therapist:

You have a problem, now what is the Solution?
Ok, you have decided that you need a therapist because you realise that you have a problem and you are now ready to get some help with a solution. You have been to the doctor and you know that you are medically sound but the Doctor is unable to help you with your problem because he is only able to offer antidepressants or sleeping tablets. 

Are drugs the solution?
It is important to you that you do not take drugs as you believe that there must be another way that is drug free, effective and quicker than starting on drugs, waiting for them to work and then staying on them for months or sometimes years.  Yes you have options, an alternative way that involves just a little work from you to achieve a happier result.

What next?
Your next step is to decide on the type of therapy that will be best for you and there are a few websites that you can look at to help you choose www.bcma.co.uk or www.nhsdirectory.org there are more, but keep focused on your need.

Can referrals help?
You could also ask your family or friends to see if they can recommend anyone although not everyone likes to talk about their problems and they may have seen a therapist without even you knowing.  You may at this stage if you are getting a little confused is contact some of the Association bodies and they are always happy to send information to you.

Who do I go to?
Once you have decided on the type of therapy that you think best suits you the next step is to find someone in your area. If you do not have internet access then Yellow Pages is useful to start refining your choice. Pick at least three names of therapists in the area that you want and call them.

What questions do I ask?
Ask about their training, ask who they trained with, ask about their on-going training, ask about their qualifications, ask which Association they are members of, ask if they are experienced with your type of problem, ask about their fees, ask how many sessions might be needed, ask how they might help you with your problem, ask about their success rate, ask about speciality areas and ask if they have insurance.

Why do I ask the questions?
Part of the reason for asking the questions is to find out more about the person you are speaking with AND if you feel comfortable with their answers and confident that they may be able to help you. It is important that they have had proper training in the area. After all would you want someone fixing your car if they had just read a book? Checking their membership of an association or having insurance means that someone else has done some extra checking on your behalf.

How much do I pay?
Decide how much it is worth to you for your problem to be fixed.  In asking about fees, success rate and average amount of sessions gives you a better idea of the cost to you and how much you are prepared to pay to resolve your problem.

Is paying a fee the best answer for me?
Paying a fee is no guarantee that you will receive the best help; neither does it guarantee that you receive the best help for free from your Primary Care Trust. If you do have to pay a fee to get the help you need and it works, then it is worth it. A good therapist can help you do lots of good work between sessions to shorten the number of sessions needed.

Am I ready to change?
When the therapy works for you and you are feeling HAPPIER and CONFIDENT again you may find that you improve your effectiveness at work to the point that you earn quicker promotions or find the courage to find a better paying job, eventually earning back the money you paid for therapy.

What qualities does a good therapist have?
In general, the most helpful therapists are genuine, willing to share information about themselves, have respect for you, are warm and empathic, responsive and hopeful, have firm boundaries without being domineering.

What else do I need to be aware of?
Helpful therapists also have a variety of clinical skills to address the specific needs that you have.  Also an understanding of the power imbalance that exists in therapy and a willingness to work towards empowerment of YOU, awareness of their own biases and the limits of their skill, and willingness to refer you to other professionals if necessary.

Do I want a good therapist or a GREAT one?
A GREAT therapist is working as soon as you walk in their door to never see you again as quickly as possible. After all who would want to see a therapist for the rest of their life every week?

What can I hope to expect after the first session?
During or after your first session see how comfortable and confident you feel with your therapist. Evan after the first session you may feel a sense of relief and an improvement with your problem.  You must be able to trust your therapist and help them to help you.

What do I do if I feel the therapy is not working?
If you have any doubts then ring your therapist and tell them what the problems are or how you are feeling, their may be a simple solution. If on the other hand you do not like or feel comfortable with your therapist then see someone else. After all you would not buy the first pair of shoes you try on when you go shopping would you?

What am I paying for?
After each session you should feel a general improvement in your well being, provided you have followed the suggestions and advice of your Therapist, after all that is what you are paying them for. You are paying for the expertise of your therapist so follow their advice or explain why you are unable to, which, may be part of your problem and they again can help you with the solution.

How many sessions will be needed?
As for the amount of sessions required that is a little hard to know and with some therapies like Thought Field Therapy one session may be enough, generally more sessions would be needed.

What if I don’t feel there is an improvement?
As a rule the average amount of sessions that my clients have with me is only three, for more problems more sessions might be required. If six sessions have taken place and there is no improvement then perhaps that particular therapy may not be the best for you.

How can I help myself?
Remember to follow the suggestions or use the tools that your therapist has given you to help YOU. Otherwise it is a little like going to the doctor, his giving you tablets to take with set instructions on how to take them and YOU do not follow the instructions.

What do I do now?
Pick up the phone and make that call or if you would like more help in choosing a therapist and you would like some FREE advice email me gillian@thoughtfields.co.uk.

Best Wishes

Gilli

P.S.

Your other option is to CALL me NOW
I can help! Freephone 0800 731 8316