Change, growth and personal development are necessary to life. For fulfillment to happen, need for change must move beyond easy wish. The act of looking for help to enhance yourself implies both a willingness to change and the power to do so.
Most individuals seek counselling at this time of need. Invariably when you search the counselling section of any directory you find a long list of names. Many regularly ask the best way to choose a therapist that best suits their situation.
To aid in this search we have provided principles so that you feel more assured about selecting a counselor. When you finally make the call, you need to know what to go looking for and the types of things to ask.
Qualifications: It would appear obvious but they have to know what they are doing. You would like them to be qualified for the problems you want to work on. Few people ask the qualifications of their counsellor or may know whether the qualifications they have are relevant. Your counsellor must have completed an applicable university undergraduate degree. Many courses need up to four years training such as the Social Work Degree and Psychology Degree or a Masters in Counselling.
Experience: The amount of years of experience counts in counselling just like it does in many other professions. The length of training and experience reflects the age group of counsellors that will have life experience of their own to draw on. Ask the age of your counselor.
Gender: Unless you have a very strong opinion on this, the gender doesn't always matter. The most vital issue is the rapport that develops with both the counsellor and you. This will occur over the initial few sessions making the gender of the counsellor a non-issue.
Organisation or Independent: Are they an independent practitioner, or are they supported part of an organisation? The independent practitioner is simply that, determining his or her own measure of responsibility. An advantage of an organisation is the formal structure of professional supervision and responsibility for the therapist.
Services: Look at the counsellor or organisation's Website and read thru the data on offer. The Site will give you an impression of the service ideals and principles. Look at their Vision and Core Value statements. Is it something that you feel okay with? The service you contact should be well placed to offer appointments during the day, in the evening and possibly on Weekends to offer you flexibility.
Where: Find a location that suits, but do not be put off by travel. Distance can too easily be used to avoid making an appointment. Remember it isn't an everyday event.
Cost: Here your finances may put a natural limitation on cost. Weighing out your investment in counselling against other costs can make it appear inexpensive.
Taking time to make the correct choice is essential knowing you can entrust your future to a caring and competent professional is critical.
About the Author:
Chris Dawson is a very qualified marriage counselling expert, helping couples resolve relationship issues. His in depth experience, of over 25 years experience, is highly sort after throughout the world in his position as Clinical Director for Humaneed, a leading Marriage and Relationship Counselling Service based in Australia.
