Choosing the right therapist for you

A (More) simple guide for when you’re looking to find the right therapist for you

When you think about it, there are many things in life that we turn to others for guidance and support on - DIY, plumbing, electrics, car maintenance, physical health & fitness etc but when it comes to mental and emotional support for ourselves - where do we start?

If you’re thinking about starting private therapy, you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where they realise they can’t — or don’t want to — carry everything on their own anymore.

But once you start looking for support regarding mental health and wellbeing, it can feel confusing very quickly:

• Counsellor or psychotherapist?

• Psychologist or psychiatrist?

• How do I know who’s right for me?

  
  

This guide is designed to help you make sense of it all in plain English — and to help you feel more confident choosing the right kind of support for you.

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Why and when people seek psychological support

People don’t come to therapy because they’re “broken”. They come because something has become too heavy, too stuck, or too painful to manage alone.

Some of the most common reasons people seek support include:

• Anxiety, panic or constant overthinking

• Depression, low mood or emotional numbness

• Trauma, PTSD, or distress linked to past experiences

• Phobias and specific fears

• Relationship difficulties or repeated patterns

• Bereavement, loss, separation or major life changes

• Addiction or problematic coping behaviours

• Work stress, burnout, or pressure from caring roles

• Feeling “not myself anymore” without knowing why?? or wanting to understand ourselves better.

  
  

Different difficulties can benefit from different types of professional support, which is why understanding roles matters.

Understanding the Different Types of Mental Health Professionals

Counsellors

Professional Counsellors receive formal structured training to help people explore emotional difficulties, life challenges, and distress in a supportive and confidential setting.

They commonly work with:

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• Bereavement and loss

• Relationship issues

• Life transitions

In the UK, counsellors are not medically trained, but many (including accredited counsellors) have substantial clinical training and experience. Counselling is often shorter-term (can be longer term) or focused on specific difficulties.

Psychotherapists

Alike to Counsellors, "Psychotherapist" is also not a protected title.

Professional Psychotherapists usually have more in-depth training and work at a deeper level with patterns that may have developed over many years.

They often help with:

• Long-standing emotional difficulties

• Trauma and complex experiences

• Attachment and relational patterns

• Identity and self-worth issues

In practice, there is often overlap between counselling and psychotherapy — especially in private practice — and many professionals are trained and work across both - This is true for my practice.

Psychologists

Psychologists typically hold postgraduate university degrees (often a doctorate) and are trained in psychological assessment, formulation, and evidence-based therapies.

They may:

• Conduct formal assessments and reports

• Work within NHS or specialist services

• Support complex or diagnostic presentations

Some psychologists offer therapy privately, while others focus more on assessment, research, or service delivery.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health.

They:

• Diagnose mental health conditions

• Prescribe medication

• Manage complex psychiatric presentations

Psychiatrists rarely provide ongoing talking therapy. Instead, they often work alongside therapists when medication or medical oversight is needed.

A Polite Note About Professional Titles in the UK

It’s important to know that in the UK some commonly used titles — including counsellor and psychotherapist — are not legally protected. This means that, in theory, anyone can use these titles regardless of their level of training or experience.

This does not mean these professions are unsafe — many counsellors and psychotherapists are highly trained and work to very high standards — but it does mean it’s important to look beyond the title itself.

When choosing a therapist, check:

• Their professional training

• Whether they are accredited or registered

• Membership of recognised professional bodies such as BACP, NCPS, UKCP, EMDR UK & Europe, or HCPC (for psychologists)

  
  

These organisations set standards for ethical practice, supervision, and ongoing professional development. A reputable therapist will be open and transparent about their qualifications and experience, and will welcome questions if you’re unsure.

Who to choose? Top Tips from a therapist in the industry

In this modern world, most people look for their therapist via their phone on directories that initially only display a photo, a name and a title. This is the window in for many people accessing therapy - alike to Tinder - you see a face, a name, an opening line to which you make a judgment and progress if you can get enough of a good sense just from that. (I rarely get much appreciation from my peers for the comparison!).

As a trusted and established member of the therapist community I would advise first and foremost to you to do your homework. Check out several profiles when looking for support, rather than focusing only on job titles and looks. It may be more beneficial to consider in your search:

1. What am I struggling with?

• Trauma or distress linked to specific events may benefit from trauma-informed therapy such as EMDR.

• Anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues often respond well to counselling or psychotherapy.

• Long-standing or complex difficulties may need someone with broader clinical experience.

  
  

2. Does the therapist have the right training for my needs?

Look for:

• Appropriate training

• Evidence of ongoing professional development (CPD)

• Experience with the issues you’re bringing
  

3. Are they professionally registered?

In the UK, reputable therapists are usually registered with bodies such as:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy), NCS (National Counselling Society), UKCP. Check out the new ScoPEd guidance.

• EMDR UK & Europe

• HCPC (for psychologists)

This helps ensure ethical practice, supervision, and accountability.

4. "Do I feel safe and understood?"

Among the above factors the therapeutic relationship and rapport is key to your therapy process being successful. A professional may have all the titles, training, experience and professionalism, but you know what - sometimes some people just dont get on - and thats OK! It doesnt necessarily mean that "the therapist is rubbish", "Therapy isnt for me" or "I am the problem in all of this". It just calls on you to keep searching.

This point matters more than many people realise. Feeling listened to, respected, and not judged is one of the strongest predictors of therapy being helpful. I offer initial free consultations to discuss what you are looking for and start to see if we get on.

If you are feeling unsure of someone's credentials - ask for proof. Refer to professional registers and what each of them require for a therapist to be registered with to give you peace of mind.

How My Work Fits in the Therapeutic world

In my practice, I work as an integrative trained Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner, and Clinical Supervisor.

This means:

• That I have received core training in a number of approaches that has been professionally recognised by membership bodies. You can check out my registration and accreditations within the BACP & EMDR UK registries.

• I have a lot of experience working in various settings and have continued to develop my profession annually beyond my core training.

• I am clinically supervised at least monthly and am trained, qualified and experienced in delivering this service to other professionals.

• I work routinely with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, loss, and relationship difficulties.

• I offer EMDR for trauma, PTSD, phobias, distressing experiences and future anxieties.

• I work in a way that is grounded, practical, and compassionate — not clinical or detached.

  
  

I’m accredited with the BACP, accredited with EMDR UK & Europe, registered with the ICO (information commissioners office) and HMRC, and work within robust ethical and professional frameworks.

I also work with insurer and other referral pathways alongside self-referring clients. I am insured to practice from the UK with worldwide coverage for online support.

Most importantly, I aim to offer a space where you don’t have to perform, explain yourself perfectly, or “hold it together”.

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In Summary

The right therapist for you is not necessarily determined by looking for the best "title" - Finding someone who is properly trained and experienced with what you are facing and feels the right fit for you is key.

Ask questions if you feel unsure about anything - a good therapist will welcome this.

If you’d like to explore whether working together feels right, I’m always happy to have an initial conversation.

You don’t have to be alone with situation.

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