Finding A Therapist

Stress, anxiety, and depression are common and seem to be increasing in the UK in recent years. As such, more people than ever are seeking out the services of a therapist to help navigate these challenges. If you've found yourself typing "therapist near me" into a search engine, you're not alone. This article aims to guide you through the process of finding the right local therapist for your needs.

Why Search for a therapist near me?

Why would you want to find a therapist in your local area? For some, this might be because you want to access face-to-face therapy and reducing travel time would help. But there are other benefits to finding someone nearby. Therapists in your area are likely to have a better understanding of NHS services and some will even work as an NHS employee alongside their private practice. This also means they can best direct you to crisis services and other local charities. For example, in my area I have been able to direct people to very local charities and organisations offering free therapy for survivors of intimate partner violence, for Cambridge uni students, and for individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

A local therapist is also more likely to have an understanding of stressors on, or cultural nuances of, your community. For example, I work with a lot of Cambridge uni students and therefore have a good understanding of some of the specific social and academic pressures of that environment.

Steps to Finding the Right Therapist Nearby

NHS services vary hugely by location and it is worth starting with a visit to your GP, who should have an idea of local services and may be able to advise about waiting times. Once a referral has been made, I would recommend calling the service involved to double check they have received this and get a bit more information about how long you are likely to wait.

You can also google [my area] + "NHS talking therapies” as many services now accept self referrals.

If you have decided to go ahead with a private therapist, you can consider:

Google and Directory Services: Google Maps may show local therapists, and websites like Psychology Today can help you find therapists in your area based on your needs.

Check Credentials: In the UK, anyone can call themselves a therapist. Make sure that your therapist is regulated by either the HCPC, UKCP or BACP.

Free consultation: Some therapists offer a free consultation on the phone or Zoom, so you can assess how they make you feel and whether you click

Word of mouth: If you feel able to chat to friends and family about your search, do ask them if they can recommend a therapist.

Consider Online Therapy

While searching for a therapist, don't dismiss the option of online therapy. Many therapists now offer virtual sessions, providing flexibility without the need to travel.

Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as face-to-face options, and many people appreciate being able to talk from the comfort of their own home.

Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

Some questions that may be helpful include:

Specialisation: "Do you have experience with issues like mine?"

Approach: "What therapeutic approaches or modalities do you use?"

Duration: "How long are sessions, and how frequently are they typically scheduled?"

Fees: "What are your rates?”

 It is normally helpful to establish the cost at the beginning, so you don’t waste your time with therapists outside of your price range.

Wrapping Up

Finding a therapist is actually really hard work. Often it can just feel like a list of names with very little to go on. It is not unheard of for people paralysed by choice to chose a therapist based on their photograph!

When friends ask how to find a therapist, I suggest googling their local area, trying to arrange at least a preliminary phone call, and ensuring their therapist is properly regulated. The most important predictor of therapy outcome is someone who you feel comfortable talking to, who is empathic, and who offers a way of working that suits you - so to a certain extent, it is about how that person makes you feel in an initial call or session.

  Good luck on your search. Do reach out if you would like to arrange a free consultation to chat and see if I may be able to help you.