With a variety of different practitioners offering sessions, and with many different models (CBT, Humanistic, Psychodynamic), it can be difficult to know which practitioner may be most responsive to the issues a client feels need to be addressed.
This article from the journal.ie provides clear information on the topic.
While not relevant to everyone, some clients may have preferences for a specific approach or focus from their therapist, and this can help lead to a successful outcome and indeed mitigate against early dropout.
Examples might be
- Individual therapist characteristics like gender, age, ethnicity, religion etc.
- Experience in particular areas – trauma, relationships, multicultural issues, coping with certain illnesses
- The focus or style of the therapy e.g. a focus on the past vs present, more or less direction in sessions
One way to help clients choose a practitioner is to incorporate Preference Accommodation when considering a practitioner to work with.
Filling out this questionnaire will provide a summary at the end that you can send or communicate to us so we can try to accommodate any preferences that may exist.
A screen grab or quick photo will allow you to capture the summary at the end of the questionnaire and this can be sent to us as part of your enquiry if you feel it is helpful.
Practitioner Reviews
Due to the nature of the service and the importance of confidentiality reviews are not something we ask clients to leave.
However, some clients have felt comfortable enough to leave reviews of our service on Google and Whatclinic, in order to assist others in search of a suitable therapist – some of these can be read at this link.
General Information on Psychotherapy/Counselling
Therapists engage with clients in a process, (evidence based from repeated research) to help those in a state of emotional distress.
There are countless possible reasons that lead to people presenting or being referred for therapy. Often it can be multiple issues that are of concern.
Some of these could be
- Coping with bereavement & loss
- Dealing with major life changes (loss of a job, homelessness, divorce)
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety issues
- Anger management
- Addictive behavior
- Self-harm
- Culturally Sensitive Issues/Minority Stress
- Relationship problems
- Work related stress (workplace bullying)
- Post or perinatal depression or anxiety
- Employment/Career difficulties
- Sexual Issues
- Low self esteem
- The Menopause
- Trauma recovery
- Identity issues
- Sexuality issues
- Stress management
- Suicidal Ideation
There are also therapists available who have specific training in the areas of
- Relationship/couples counselling
- Therapy for children/adolescents
- Family Therapy
- Addiction Counselling
There are numerous approaches to psychotherapy and it can be useful for clients to explore the various options prior to starting therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a topical example and is an example of one of the evidence based therapeutic approaches.
Often clients consider therapy alongside or as an alternative to medication being prescribed.
Different therapists bring their own individuality as well as specific models of training to the therapeutic relationship which can be an important consideration for clients looking for a therapist, they feel comfortable working with.
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that the crucial element for effective therapy is a strong relationship between client and therapist.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a therapist. It provides a structured, supportive and confidential space to talk openly with someone who’s qualified, objective, neutral and non-judgmental.
Modern research by professor Mick Cooper indicated that 79% of clients with similar presenting issues who received psychotherapeutic treatment showed improvement versus those who did not (control group).
The below video might help explain further
Talk Therapy Dublin 