Starting therapy is a big step, and finding the right person can feel a little overwhelming. As Clinical Director of Leicester Psychology Clinic, I recommend finding a properly qualified and experienced clinician who understands what you need, explains things clearly and feels like someone you can work with.
Check qualifications and experience
In the UK, titles such as clinical psychologist and counselling psychologist are legally protected, so anyone using them must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Counsellors and psychotherapists may be registered or accredited with organisations such as the BACP or UKCP. It is always worth checking the relevant public register and asking about a therapist’s training and experience with concerns like yours.
Consider why you are looking for a therapist
While qualified therapists have a range of skills and knowledge to support people in different circumstances, many undertake additional specialist training in certain areas such as trauma, neurodivergence, therapy for children, couples therapy and so on. This makes knowing what you need support with extremely useful when trying to find the right therapist for you.
Signs a therapist is right for you
Even after extensive research, the first therapist you go to may not be the right one for you – and that’s okay. The connection you have with your therapist matters as much as the therapeutic approach they use. You should feel heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions and discussing challenging topics. They should be able to explain how they see your difficulties, why they are suggesting a particular approach and how you will check whether therapy is helping.
Questions to ask a therapist
Here are some questions you can ask a therapist to get a better sense of if they are the right therapist for you during your first session:
- What are your qualifications and professional registrations?
- What experience do you have with difficulties like mine?
- Which approach do you recommend, and why?
- How will we agree goals and review progress?
- What happens if I need a different therapist or level of support?
Finding a therapist is partly about qualifications and experience, but it is also about feeling comfortable with the person you are talking to. A good clinic will make the process easy to understand, explain why it is recommending someone and help you find another option if a different service would suit you better.
Choosing Leicester Psychology Clinic
At Leicester Psychology Clinic, we do not simply give someone the next available appointment. We think about what you are hoping to change, what is going on for you now, your age and background, any safety or safeguarding concerns, how you would prefer to work and what is practical. We then suggest a clinician with the right experience and availability.
Our team works with children, young people, adults and families, using a range of evidence-based therapies. We also offer ADHD and autism assessments and support for organisations. Depending on what is right for you, appointments may be in person or online. We welcome self-referrals as well as referrals from GPs and insurers.
What to expect
When you first get in touch, we will ask a little about what is happening and the kind of support you are looking for. Information that you share will help our team find the right clinician for you. Your first appointment is a chance to talk things through, decide what you would like help with and agree on a plan. Your therapist should also explain practical points such as confidentiality, fees and cancellations, as well as what you can do if the match does not feel right.