I’ve recently been referred a client who rang me and asked me if they could ask me some questions. I told them something I say to all my new clients: “I may not necessarily be your cup of tea”. And this is important, because how clients choose a counsellor or therapist is very important, and there’s some criteria I have used in the past to identify for myself whether a counsellor I was seeing was the right fit for me.
Here’s six (6) things that I think clients should look for when looking for a new counsellor:
Registration, insurance and relevant association memberships. All psychologists must be registered in Australia with APHRA, however counsellors are registered with two bodies. These are the ACA (Australian Counselling Association) and PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) who ensure counsellors have met education study requirements, ongoing professional development, insurance standards and first aid qualifications. Registered counsellors must register themselves annually, providing proof of requirements every year. If you’ve found a counsellor, double check if they’re registered.
Location and hours. Clients may want to fit in seeing a counsellor based on where they are located and the hours they practice. Life can be challenging enough without having to go to a lot of effort in order to see a counsellor. I have driven over an hour before to see a counsellor; however, I haven’t changed work hours to fit in with someone. So, you must work out what is and isn’t negotiable for you and your life.
$$$. The price does need to be right for you and for the length of time you believe you are going to be working with them. Sometimes you can manage a higher price for a shorter period, however, if you feel the therapy could be longer term, then that needs to be a part of your decision making. A registered practitioner does need to be renumerated for their service, however, there is no point seeing a great counsellor if you don’t have enough money to eat or pay your rent. Having conversations about the pay scale and potential supports or the use of health insurance or mental health care plans is important up-front. Currently, only psychologists in Australia can be seen using a mental health care plan, however, the Australian government is reviewing the use of registered (qualified) counsellors in this space in order to help people get the help and support they need.
Modes of counselling. Different counsellors use different modalities based on their training, their skill-set and their interests. You may want to ask the counsellor about which modality they tend to prefer and to discuss if this is going to suit your style and your needs. I have always been naturally drawn to modalities that involve the use of process, accountability and solutions - and this is probably due to my nursing background, my personal belief structure and my personality. I tend to ask new clients within the initial intake session if they have had counselling before and what modalities they have experienced and what they like. This conversation can reduce the heartache early on if you can acknowledge your preferred style and to see if this matches up with the counsellor you want to see.
Personal lives. Recently I had a client who was coming with their partner. At the initial conversation I was asked how long I had been married. Counsellors don’t have to share personal information; however, I was aware that what this client was seeking was an understanding of whether I would be able to assist with their particular issue. I find it useful to provide some information (within reason) around myself, although this is my choice - some counsellors may not be so generous. If this is something that would benefit you, it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Are they your cup of tea? After all of this, it may ultimately come down to whether you like the professional or not. Are you happy with their gender, their manner, do they make you comfortable, do you like their style, their resources? This is going to be a person that you may sit and share the most deep and intimate information with. This person might watch you grapple with feelings, such as shame or guilt or anger. This person might see you, warts and all, and you have to be able to begin to build the trusting therapeutic relationship that is necessary for real change to occur. It’s as simple as - are you comfortable with them?
So, are they your cup of tea? If yes, then hold on and head off on the journey that is counselling.
