How To Choose A Counsellor

As you are deciding how to choose a counsellor, know that there is evidence indicating counselling is more effective than GP care alone for many mental health complaints:

Bower, P., & Rowland, N. (2003). The clinical effectiveness of counselling in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 33, 203-215.

Now this is not meant to be an exhaustive post, but a concise one aimed to assist you if you know you want counselling and are not sure how to proceed.

Choose a therapist that is registered with a professional body (such as the Australian Hypnotherapists Association). Be wary of practitioners who claim magical cures or quick fixes. Book a session or two and check out your prospective psychotherapist. Assess your results after each session, but be realistic.

Questions to ask yourself, include: · Do I feel understood, safe, and accepted?  Am I comfortable being myself with the counselor?

Can I protest or express anger towards my counsellor without fear of ridicule or shame? Don't rush. Taking the time to find the right counsellor will increase chances of a successful course of therapy.

Anger towards a counsellor could indicate several possibilities: 1. Like all human beings, counsellors also muck up from time to time too. 2. Your anger towards your counsellor could be transferred from buried feelings towards other people in your life. Either way, it's critical to sort out which it is, and discussing your feelings with your counsellor is the most essential step in working through such feelings so you can improve your therapy outcome.

Enjoy your right to enjoy life without letting problems, phobias, worries, anxiety, or panic prevent happiness. Counselling and hypnotherapy offered by Bayside Psychotherapy in Brighton Melbourne can help.