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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Counselling

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Balanced Minds

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask when I contact a counsellor or psychotherapist for the first time?

It’s a good idea to ask about the time, place, cost and duration of meetings plus any charges for cancelled appointments. You may also wish to enquire about the counsellor or psychotherapist’s professional membership, experience and training. During this time you will build up an idea of what is involved and you will be able to decide if this is a person you can work with.

Is all therapy the same?

No - there are many different modalities and approaches to therapy. After gaining an Honours Degree in Psychology I went on to do a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling. After several years of practice I then did a Masters degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. The ‘person-centred’ ethos is at the core of my work but I find that CBT is very effective in helping people determine goals for their therapy and work towards them in a relatively short time frame.  

Is there a counsellor or psychotherapist for my situation?

Therapists practice in all walks of life and all parts of society, helping people in a range of settings, from NHS clinics to the business workplaces. Therapists are trained to deal with a diverse range of situations including helping people to cope with: depression, anxiety (including generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder), bereavement, relationship difficulties, as well as personal problem solving.

How can I be sure a counsellor or psychotherapist is qualified?

It is good practice for a therapist to be a member of a professional body such as: The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or the British Association for Counselling and Behavioural Psychotherapies.

All BACP members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy, which sets the standards for good and ethical therapeutic practice.

What if I am not happy with the counsellor or psychotherapist when we first meet?

During the initial assessment or first session be prepared to trust your instinct because your relationship with the therapist is at the heart of the process. If you are unsure about the first therapist you contact, try to find another one. Having confidence in your therapist is very important and will enable you to get the best out of the process.

Where can I find more information about counselling?

The BABCP and BACP websites are good sources of information, additionally the NHS Choices site offers a good overview on each of the therapeutic options.