Therapy, counselling, and psychotherapy are terms used to describe a relationship whereby healing happens, usually through talking and practices. There are 2 parties: client and therapist. They agree to enter into a relationship where the client is searching for support and the therapist agrees to offer it. Both parties agree to a contract which defines how the relationship will work and the boundaries. Therapy is confidential - what happens in the room stays in the room unless there is a serious risk of harm. This is covered in the contract. There are different types of therapy - I practice Person-Centred (where the client is the centre of the work), experiential (where the focus is on the clients experience of the world), and transpersonal (where all aspects of experience are considered, included spirituality and experiences of altered states with a view to integrate them into the human experience).
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See this link for an A-Z of therapies to help decide which fits for you https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/
At least 75% of therapy is the relationship (REF). This means you - as the client - needs to feel that the therapist understands you, gets your perspective and your world. This does not mean they have to have lived a similar experience to you (though this may be true). This understanding is felt by you. In choosing - trust your gut. If you feel warm, understood, and relaxed, this can be a good sign. If you feel stressed or anxious in increased ways than before meeting, this could be a sign it isn't a right fit. Trust yourself - no one knows how it feels to be you!
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It is also important to be transparent - the counselling and psychotherapy space is unregulated - it is not like the USA where you must be licensed and can face legal repercussions if not. This means Joe Bloggs can set up practice with no qualifications or skills and work with vulnerable people. This isn't ok. A legitimate therapist in the UK should be a member of an ethical body (BACP, UKCP, NCPS are examples). They should have a minimum Level 4 Diploma in Counselling and be committed to additional personal and professional development. With BACP, you can sit an additional test to be registered and further, be accredited. They should also have personal indemnity insurance and be DBS checked, all for safety and protection of both parties.
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So, to choose a therapist you might check their qualifications, ethical registration, insurance, and most importantly, how you feel with them.Â
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BACP register:Â https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/protecting-the-public/bacp-register/
Firstly, I offer a 20 minute connection call. This is for you to get a feel for how I work and if we might be a good fit. 20 minutes won't assure this but it will give you a starting point. If we decide to proceed, you will receive an email containing the contract, directions and how to access the building, and payment details. Payment must be made up to 24 hours before the session or I will assume it will not take place.Â
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Then, the first session will be arranged, face to face in my office in Waterloo, Liverpool, or online. This will be at a day and time that works best for you within my availability. You will receive a text message the day before to confirm the appointment. Replying to this message, along with making payment, confirms your appointment.
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When you arrive, there is a buzzer. I will come to meet you at the door - there are a set of stairs to walk up. I can make you a hot or cold drink and you can settle into the room. We will talk about the lighting, temperature, and general environment to ensure your comfort.
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Next, we will cover the contract. You will receive this prior to the session. The outlines the boundaries and expectations of the relationship for the safety of us both. You are free to ask questions and suggest additions. The remainder of the first session is yours to use however feels comfortable. This might include talking, playing, silence, or something else within the boundaries of the work.Â
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My job is primarily to listen and walk beside you in your journey. I may ask questions or share curiosities. When the end is approaching, I will make you aware and wind the session down and finish with booking future sessions.Â
Confidentiality means that whatever happens in the session stays in the session. It is a private discussion not to be shared. You can expect this to be discussed during the contract. What this means in practice is that I share nothing about what you share with anyone - not your partner, parents, friends, employer, anyone.
There are 4 exceptions: if I believe you or someone else is at serious risk of harm. If this is the case, I will refer back to the contract, make you aware and talk through the next steps I will take. There may be occasions that I will not share this with you because it puts you, me or someone else is at further risk of harm. Next, if you want me to share something, for example if you are a young person and you want me to tell your parents/carers something, I can break confidentiality with your consent. As far as possible, I encourage all clients to information share themselves as part of promoting autonomy, in line with BACP ethical framework. Third, if there is a court order or coroners request, I am required to share information. Lastly, I have a supervisor who oversees my caseload. Their job is to be sure I am adhering to best practice and that you as the client are getting the best out of me. They are also bound by the same confidentiality agreement as me.Â