We link to several therapist databases that you can use to find a therapist. The links to all of those places can be found here. It makes much more sense for you to search the database yourself by entering your location. Please don’t ask us to search on your behalf. This allows you to select alternative therapists depending on your location and circumstances. If there isn’t a therapist or counsellor in your area then I’m afraid that means there are none on our database for your area.
There are specific types of issues that therapists advertise as their ‘speciality’. For example, depression, anxiety, bereavement etc. This is because these issues are extremely prevalent in our society and lots of studies have been done to prove the effectiveness of counselling in these areas. Psychological issues that fall outside of these norms don’t feature as heavily in a therapist’s resume by the sheer nature of their uniqueness. That doesn’t mean a therapist can’t (or won’t) employ normal methods to help deal with the issue. Countless studies show that therapy – which teaches patients strategies and tools to manage and resolve unhealthy behaviours and thoughts – is effective for treating a whole range of psychological issues.
By seeking a therapist who specialises in a niche field dramatically reduces the catchment pool of potential individuals, when in reality most, if not all, therapists would be able to help.
However, finding the right therapist for you (rather than your specific condition/issue) can be daunting. Perhaps an even bigger challenge is trying to decide which type of therapy you should receive. There are countless therapists, not to mention myriad schools of thought in psychology. All too often, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options.
Our therapy section offers lots of advice to help unravel the apparent plethora of decisions. We also have a search facility which allows you to search for therapists in your area using your post or zip code.
After you’ve narrowed your choices to a handful of mental health professionals – we recommend scoping out at least three before making a final decision – you should feel them out via phone or an initial consultation to see whether their personality and skills mesh with your needs. You’ll get a ‘gut’ feeling about someone before proceeding. You could be working with them for a long time so it’s worth making sure you at least ‘like’ them. Finally, don’t forget, you can always walk away from a therapist if after a few sessions it doesn’t work out. Like any service, you can always vote with your feet.
