How do I find a counsellor?

LegacyUser

Hi, sorry to post such a silly question but I wonder if anybody can tell me how I can find a counsellor? I've decided that the best thing I can do for myself at the moment is to speak to somebody who can help me deal with a mixture of bereavements, past traumas and low self esteem. I seem to have let everything build up so there isn't just one problem anymore.

Do I have to go to my doctor or is there another way to find a counsellor? I'm only 20 but my college services have a 6 week waiting list and I don't want to wait so long. I had counselling as a teen which came about as a result of a doctor visit but I'm worried to speak to my new doctor in case he thinks I'm unstable or something or attention seeking etc because I'm so young.

I have a part time job so I don't mind paying for counselling if it means I won't have to wait 6 weeks for it. I just want to feel better about myself and think I should try find one now before I put it on the long finger again.
So does anyone know where to start? Thank you all.

AvaKinder

Your doctor can refer you to someone, but you can search for one yourself.

The IACP gives accreditation to counsellors and they have a search feature on their site. http://www.irish-counselling.ie/index.php/members-search
If you're based in Dublin I highly recommend Arduna in Clontarf.

JuliusCaesar

There's a sticky in the Psychology forum (under Science) on finding a counsellor/therapist.

LegacyUser

I didn't even know there was a psychology page on this website, thanks for that. My concern is that because it's not just one specific problem like it's not an eating disorder, I'm not suicidal, I don't want to harm myself etc there's nothing really wrong with me except I'm just not on top form anymore, I dream about people dying all the time, I wake up crying about things that happened years ago etc but I don't know what exactly I need in a counsellor. Are there just general ones, like a GP but for counselling? How do I know what kind of counsellor to choose? Like is it possible to choose the wrong type?

Sorry for the questions, last time I went I was 14 and my doctor sorted it all out so I never really thought about these things. Is it better if I just suck it up and go to my doctor and let him decide what's best? I feel a bit stuck, I know I want changes to be made but I don't know how to do it the right way.

LisaMe

I think that counselors who incorporate spiritual (not religious) / holistic therapy with traditional psychology works best overall...

www.holisto.com is very good

Victor

I imagine most counsellors are generalists or have strengths in 2-3 areas. Some would be expert in certain areas.

So, I think, talk to your GP and find out whats available locally and find out an bit more about them and choose one. Depending on the issues, some will encourage you to commit (mentally) to about 6 sessions, so as to not base everything on one session where filling in the background story might take up much of the time.

LoonTrainExpres

I think going to the Doc would be a good idea.

I decided to go to therapy last year and i began the search myself by using the internet and phoning around to see what was available. I found it quite difficult to access services. It took 6-7 tries with various places (some practices and some private) before getting my foot in the door anywhere.

All i am saying is don't get disheartened if this does happen.

Well done for making the decision. I found it extremely useful.

Good luck:)