Advise on who to see

eisdraod

Hi,

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post so feel free to move it. I have read the stickies but I am still unsure so I am looking for some advice.

I have some relationship and personal issues that are affecting my mood (getting me down and I find myself getting angry about things I know I shouldn’t). I feel like I need to talk to someone about these issues but I am unsure if I should go to a Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Counsellor. It would be great if someone could let me know which one of these would be best to discuss my issues with. I am not interested in any pharmacological treatments and I would be attending privately so I don’t want to go to my GP for a referral.

Thanks.

JuliusCaesar

There is a lot of cross-over between the different professions and while one Counselling Psychologist might take a humanistic approach, another might take an integrative approach, another might take a CBT approach; and the same for all the other professions.

You might be better off researching what your preferred approach is; that, and phoning a few to chat (having made sure they are properly trained and accredited - the stickies will help with that), to see if you think you can get on with them.

And can afford them! Ask about possible length and frequency of therapy sessions.

WonderGurl

eisdraod wrote: »

Hi,

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post so feel free to move it. I have read the stickies but I am still unsure so I am looking for some advice.

I have some relationship and personal issues that are affecting my mood (getting me down and I find myself getting angry about things I know I shouldn’t). I feel like I need to talk to someone about these issues but I am unsure if I should go to a Counselling Psychologist, Psychotherapist or Counsellor. It would be great if someone could let me know which one of these would be best to discuss my issues with. I am not interested in any pharmacological treatments and I would be attending privately so I don’t want to go to my GP for a referral.

Thanks.

It is my understanding that counsellors have less training than psychotherapists do. I first went to counselling, but moved onto psychotherapy instead, and find it more helpful as it is more in depth work. From what I gather counselling psychologists offer psychotherapy service.

Like in the previous post, the approach is the next thing on your list. In reality I don't think that approach is that important, because an effective therapist is so much more than just a degree. It's very important you click with your therapist.

JuliusCaesar

Psychology is a science. I would always look for therapies which have an evidence base i.e. that have been proven to work. Within that approach, I'd look for somebody I can get on with. A therapeutic relationship is necessary, but not sufficient.

WonderGurl

I would certainly recommend look for credentials of accreditation such IACP, to be sure they haven't taken some weird unaccredited course that sounds impressive and claim to know everything about everything. Be sure whoever you choose, you click with them.

JuliusCaesar

AND an evidence base!

WonderGurl

JuliusCaesar wrote: »

AND an evidence base!

Yeah, doh! )

sawdoubters

http://iahip.psychotherapists.tel/

JuliusCaesar

Sawdoubters, we have a sticky detailling the various organisations. There are many. Thanks though for your contribution.