Steps to Find the Right Therapist
1. Utilise Professional Directories
Start your search with professional directories from established psychological associations such as Psychology Today or perhaps from a list of recommended therapist from your insurer (if you are accessing therapy through private healthcare). These resources allow you to filter results based on specialty, ensuring you find someone whose expertise aligns with your needs.
2. Verify Credentials
Ensure that any therapist you consider is properly licensed in your area. In the UK, this means checking if they are registered with the Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) you can do this by typing their name into the HCPC website if they haven't advertised it on their site. Credentials give you a baseline assurance of the therapist’s professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.
3. Experience Counts
Experience in dealing specifically with what you want help for is crucial. Review the therapist’s online profile or personal website for mentions of specialisation in perfectionism, burnout, or related areas like anxiety and low self-esteem. If you had a physical health condition you would want to see a doctor who specialises in this area, who has had years of working with someone and isn't going to be intimidated or unsure of what to do because it is unfamiliar. Your mental health is no different.
4. Initial Consultation
Think about what you might find helpful- do you need someone who is going to challenge you when you need it, to drive change and ask you the hard questions? Would you prefer someone softly soften who will go at your pace and take the lead from you? If you have had therapy or counselling before what went well? What would you like to have been different?
Many therapists offer a preliminary consultation free of charge. Use this as an opportunity to inquire about their experience with and their approach. You can get a good feel for someone on the phone and see whether you warm to them and how comfortable you feel discussing your challenges with them. A strong therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy.
5. Therapeutic Approach and Compatibility
Different therapists use different approaches. Some might focus on CBT (cognitive-behavioural techniques) while others might incorporate mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Discuss these methods during your initial consultation to see if they align with your preferences and needs. I
Why Finding a Specialist Matters
Therapists with a focus on perfectionism, low-self esteem and burnout are particularly equipped to understand the nuances of these traits. They can help you discern between aspirational goals and self-defeating behaviours. Through personalised strategies, they can aid you in fostering self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and reducing the self-criticism that often accompanies perfectionistic tendencies.
It can be overwhelming when searching for someone, I get it! Take your time. If you want to have an initial call with myself you can contact me here
