“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”
― Carl R. Rogers
Alongside the approach, the person we choose as our therapist and the setting we choose to have therapy in is important. There is a lot of research that shows the therapeutic relationship is the most impactful contributor to change. And yet with different titles, and different ways to access support, it can feel a minefield knowing what is right for ourself.
Mental Health Titles:
Clinical and Counselling Psychologists
This is a protected title, which means only people who have completed an accredited doctorate in clinical or counselling psychology can call themselves this. The doctoral training is 3 years, and consists of combined teaching and placements within the NHS. They are trained in different therapeutic models. They also have to have completed core competencies of working with complexity and severe mental health, with people across the lifespan and also conduct research having completed a thesis.
Therapists
This role is used to describe a range of mental health practitioners. They often have completed a masters/accredited training in a specific model of therapy e.g. CBT, psychodynamic, music, EMDR. This can mean they are an expert in that approach, having focussed specifically on it. They can work privately or embedded within an NHS/charity service. As this is not a protected title, anyone can call themselves a therapist, and so it is important to check someone’s accreditation on either the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Counsellors/ Life Coaches
Counsellors have diploma level training as life advising/coaching practitioners. This can last a year per level with advanced level options. Their approach will focus on advice giving and can draw more from their personal experiences. They will have undergone accredited training in counselling/coaching. As this is also not a protected title, anyone can call themselves a counsellor without training, and so it is important to check someone’s accreditation on either the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
Different places to access support:
-
This is a free, brief intervention NHS service that you can access through your GP. It focuses predominantly on CBT, but different locations can have some variation in the offer. It uses a step model approach, starting off with online self interventions to 1:1s. It focuses on specific issues (anxiety, low mood, OCD tendencies) using a problem focused, here and now work to help manage that issue. They may recommend some self-help materials first and then maybe 6-12 sessions with a PWP (psychological well-being practioner) focused on your issue. They won’t focus too much on your past, but it is really good for quick and focused work on a specific issue. waitlists are variabl
You can self-refer or get referred by your GP on this website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/iapt/
-
You can access free therapy by either self-referring or being referred by your GP to several mental health services in your area (where you are registered with your GP). Mental health services are often specialised by diagnosis which you often need to access them:
Early Intervention for Psychosis Services
Drugs and Alcohol services
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Learning Difficulties
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Services (for more severe issues with relationships, anxiety,
depression)
Trauma services
Complex mood and personality disorder services
Health Psychology within hospitals
Crisis teams
Community Mental Health Teams. They aren’t based on diagnosis, and are accessible for people experiencing severe mental health difficulties, increased risk to themself and live in an area where there is a CMHT you can refer.
Once referred you will be offered an assessment, if it felt the service is right for you and your goals you would be allocated a care coordinator. You then will be placed on the treatment waiting list for psychological therapy by often a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist or trained/accredited therapist. There will be some wait for NHS services however your treatment is free
-
Clinical psychologists and therapists can have private clinics and you can be treated by them quicker for a fee. People will either have their own practice or be part of a private company. They will list their different approaches so you can have a browse for what feels right for you, feel free to ask for a consultation (often free) where you can to check out if you would be a good fit. Some practices are still time limited with the amount of sessions they offer, others may be open ended. On the whole you can access more longer term therapy privately, or that is collaboratively decided between you and your therapist.
All of these will charge by the hour, people often have limited spaces for reduced rates and are open to conversations about financing if needed. Finally some workplaces have work insurance that will fund your therapy (e.g. AXA), clinicians will advertise if they accept insurance.
Psychodynamic: You can access psychodynamic specific therapists here: https://www.bpc.org.uk/find-a-therapist.
They may ask you to come more than once a week if you are doing a full analysis
CBT therapists. Can find ones in your area here: http://www.cbtregisteruk.com/Default.aspx
You can look at Psychology Today for counsellors/therapists/psychologists who work privately: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling
The below website is a branch of therapy that focuses on identity, gender, relationship diversity and sexuality (i.e. polyamory): https://www.pinktherapy.com/
Websites/Social media: You can look on Instagram or search google for psychologist’s private practices.
If you like the look of someone but they don’t have availability they may be able to recommend someone else so always ask.
-
Charities exist that offer therapy for specific experiences they support. These vary by areas, so important to have a google what your local area provideds. For example:
Every area has MIND (https://www.mind.org.uk) which can offer both individual therapy, group work or peer groups.
There are specific organisations set up to support people who have survived sexual assault:
The Havens https://www.thehavens.org.uk
One in four
Samaritans: providing free 24 hour a day support for people in crisis. It can be reached at 116 123.
Cruse Bereavement Support: A national charity that offers free, confidential support to people who are bereaved. They provide one-to-one support, group sessions, and a free national helpline.