How to choose a counsellor

Start with what you want help with

Think about what is bringing you to counselling, such as anxiety, grief, relationships or something harder to name. Many counsellors list the areas they specialise in, and it can help to choose someone with experience of what you are going through.

You don’t need to know which type of therapy you want. Most counsellors are integrative, which means they draw on more than one approach to suit you.

Check they belong to a professional body

In the UK the titles “counsellor” and “psychotherapist” are not protected by law, so membership of a professional body matters. Members must meet training standards, follow an ethical framework, have regular supervision and can be held to account through a complaints process.

Most counsellors belong to one of these, each of which has a public register you can search:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
• UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
• NCPS (National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society)
• BPS or HCPC for psychologists

Many of these registers are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, an independent body that oversees them.

Think about the practical side

• Fees, and whether they offer reduced rates
• Whether you want to meet in person, online or by phone
• Location and times that fit around your life
• Whether you would feel more comfortable with a counsellor of a particular gender, age or background

Use a first conversation

Many counsellors offer a short free call or a first session to see if you are a good fit. Use it to ask questions and notice how it feels to talk to them. Feeling heard and respected is one of the strongest signs counselling is likely to help.

It is fine to speak to more than one counsellor before you decide.