Any pointers on how to find a good counsellor please?

Spanish Eyes

I am not looking for medical advice.

But I am looking for a good grief/personal issues counsellor. I don't know where to start. My GP gave me a name, but that person doesn't appear on Google. Not going there. GP is sound, but I can't use this person if I know absolutely nothing about her.

Even if someone could PM me (if that is allowed, if not fine), some information.

I do realise it is trial and error with counsellors, but to even know where to start looking would be a start!

thanks.

zoobizoo

Yes.

See how long they have studied for, where and what type of counseling.

So if someone has done a course for a few months, well, that isn't really going to cut it. Someone who has a degree / Masters / PHD should be

If they say they have studied psychology, did they do that as part of their BA or have they specialised in it.

Do they do Emotional Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or something else...

Give the person a call and have a brief chat with them ...

Lady is a tramp

Do you know, I'd always go with word-of-mouth recommendations rather than what you find online. I know my own counsellor (who is absolutely amazing and one of the best at what she does) doesn't have any online presence whatsoever, purely because she's always over-run with word-of-mouth recommendations and wouldn't have time for any more clients on top of that.

Would you not give the one he recommended a go, even for just one session, and see what you think? No obligation to return if it doesn't go well.

dellas1979

Hi OP,

You can have a look here: www.counsellingdirectory.ie

Best wishes

LynnGrace

There is some very helpful information in the attached link, OP, including the questions you may wish to ask any counsellor that you are thinking of attending. All the best.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=53588881&postcount=2

eviltwin

Make sure they are accredited. You can find counsellors in your area on the IACP website together with their specialties. Ask them how much experience they have in grief counselling and always trust your instincts.

Spanish Eyes

Thanks all for the replies.

Will have a think.

The problem is I cannot do word of mouth because I have no one in my circle who has had to do counselling! (That I know of anyway, same thing really).

I appreciate your responses. Thanks.

Spanish Eyes

I'm in bits.

Ellie2008

Best of luck OP, & if you need help asap call The Ssmaritans or there are group sessions you can attend in Patricks Hospital for free.

Wesser

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time.

I think what lady of the tramp is saying goes is that you should consider going with your GP s recommendation as some counsellors are so good t b at they don't need an online presence.

Spanish Eyes

Thanks all. I have been a member here for ages, and I will not reregister or hide my troubles.

They are everyones at some time or other. Nothing to be ashamed of or to hide I reckon.

Spanish Eyes

Such kind people. Thank you.

...And Justice

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I am not looking for medical advice.

But I am looking for a good grief/personal issues counsellor. I don't know where to start. My GP gave me a name, but that person doesn't appear on Google. Not going there. GP is sound, but I can't use this person if I know absolutely nothing about her.

Even if someone could PM me (if that is allowed, if not fine), some information.

I do realise it is trial and error with counsellors, but to even know where to start looking would be a start!

thanks.

You hit me in the gut, I found the "for profit councillors" on an "get em in and get em out" policy.

I found solice with a charity , just a donation. Used them for six months. Worked amazing, they knew I could pay, but agreed a small amount.

Spanish Eyes

...And Justice wrote: »

You hit me in the gut, I found the "for profit councillors" on an "get em in and get em out" policy.

I found solice with a charity , just a donation. Used them for six months. Worked amazing, they knew I could pay, but agreed a small amount.

<Mod Snip: OP please never repeat such a request here again. In PI this is grounds for an instant ban due to unscrupulous people taking advantage in the past.>

Spanish Eyes

Feel Sh1T

Sorry to be so self indulgent. But it is what it is.

Thank you for your support. very much appreciated.

Going through a tough time. Not easy, horrible in fact.

LynnGrace

So sorry to hear this, OP.

If your doctor is generally sound, I would probably start by trying the person they have recommended. Take care of yourself.

Mycroft H

There's also psychotherapists who are registered with IAHIP, another professional body similar to IACP

http://iahip.org/find-a-therapist

Lady is a tramp

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Thanks all for the replies.

Will have a think.

The problem is I cannot do word of mouth because I have no one in my circle who has had to do counselling! (That I know of anyway, same thing really).

I appreciate your responses. Thanks.

What about asking for recommendations in your local regional forum?

ongarboy

...And Justice wrote: »

You hit me in the gut, I found the "for profit councillors" on an "get em in and get em out" policy.

I found solice with a charity , just a donation. Used them for six months. Worked amazing, they knew I could pay, but agreed a small amount.

In fairness, the vast majority of therapists and counselors have to charge for their services or else how would they make a living? Dismissing 95% of potentially excellent therapists/counselors because they have to charge you for their service is severely restricting the options for anyone who urgently needs help. If someone is struggling or at their wit's end, paying in the region of 50 to 70 euro a week or whatever the going rate for an hourly session may be would be the best money they spend all week if it helps them improve their life. Most people spend more than that on a night out in pubs and clubs each week with nothing to show for it except hangovers.

OP, many therapists have websites that offer in depth details of what they offer, explain what therapy in general is and whether it may be suitable for various circumstances, their background and credentials. I don't believe any would ask new clients to commit to more than one session initially as it is generally understood that clients need to feel a positive connection with them before regular sessions can continue - sometimes it takes a few sessions to feel that level of comfort so be patient. Also, many offer reduced terms for those on welfare or low incomes. They earn their money as do all people who work for a living. Some may call that "profiting" but then anyone who works for a living and receives an income could be accused of that.....

As the poster above said, there are excellent free services too but there may be long waiting lists for some of them depending.

Spanish Eyes

thanks all.

Watch out for the mods though. They are dangerous. On this forum above any other as I have discovered. And ban almighty is coming my way. As if I didn't have enough to deal with. Not nice at all.

A little power is a dangerous thing.

Taltos

Mod Note
You're not being banned, you're not even getting a yellow card.

PI/RI deals with serious issues and our charter means we deal with rule breaches a lot more strictly than in other forums.
In particular due to the risk to the OP or to a poster we do not allow offers/requests of PM's, and where such requests occur we generally issue an immediate ban. We did not do that here but snipped your post, and even contacted you directly with an explanation of what we had done and why.

While I really do hope you got the help you required here your last post makes it clear this thread is now done and I'm closing the thread.

Please have a look at this thread for support services, it might help you to talk to someone. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057178293