Choosing the right Therapist: helpful tips
Choosing the right therapist?
Not sure what therapist would be the right fit?
Not sure which approach would suit your needs?
Here are a 4 few tips that will help guide you;
- Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with.
Therapeutic Relationship is essential.
If a friend, family member recommends a therapist, it is wise to speak to the therapist and get a feel whether they would work for you? Research tells us that a strong therapeutic relationship with have positive outcomes. Remember, it might take you a couple of sessions to get a feel whether you are comfortable with the therapist. However, if you don’t it’s Ok to say this to the therapist and maybe try a different therapist.
- Finding the right approach
There are many different types of approaches to Psychotherapy. Therapist generally draws on one or more approaches. Each theoretical understanding acts as a road map for the therapist to help them understand the clients internal functioning, development of behaviours and emotions.
The kind of treatment that will be offered to you will depend on a variety of factors; what does the evidence or research say would be the best form of treatment for the issues, what theoretical orientation your therapist is trained in and what works best for your situation.
Psychotherapist who use cognitive-behaviour therapy are likely to take a more practical stance in session, ask you to complete homework, practice skills. This is designed to help you develop more effective coping skills. Whereas, psychoanalytic and humanistic approaches typically focus more on talking than doing. The therapist may support you to explore early relationships and experiences to gain better understanding of the root of the issues.
You might have seen Psychotherapist who are humanistic and integrative, which means the therapist may combine several styles of psychotherapy. In fact, most therapist are receiving training in this way and they are trained to tailor their treatment according to each clients’ needs.
It’s OK to ask the therapist “what way do you work”?
- Ask questions?-
It is helpful to ask questions as it will give you a better understanding of what to expect.
Ask them how long they have been practicing?
In what areas do they specialise and what approach do they take?
When did they qualify and where did they get their qualification?
Are they accredited and if so, which body are they accredited with?
- Accredited? with whom?
There is no formal accreditation process in Ireland but Psychotherapists will be affiliated with different professional bodies that work in accordance of code of ethic’s. Currently, the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) is the umbrella body for all psychotherapy in Ireland, representing more than 1,250 psychotherapists who have undergone in-depth training. It normally takes 7 years to complete psychotherapy training. www.icp.ie
DISCIPLINES
Some of the professional bodies :
Irish Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy
“The Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy was formed in 1992 as an association to represent Humanistic and Integrative psychotherapists in Ireland. In 1994, the IAHIP became a company, limited by guarantee, and is one of the five psychotherapy sections of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy”. www.iahip.ie
At City Therapy we pride ourselves on helping you find the right therapist to suit you and your needs. Out therapists are hand selected and work in accordance to the above professional bodies. They have received quality standard training from reputable colleges and continue to update their skills and knowledge in accordance of code of ethics.
If we can’t provide you with services, then we will point you in the right direction.
By Shaunna Impey (Psychotherapist, Humanistic and Integrative)
www.citytherapy.ie
info@citytherapy.ie
01-906 5778
0863788002
