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Episode 2 How to find your therapist

Ask for referrals

Talk to your doctor, friends or family for recommendations. They may be able to suggest a therapist they know that has worked with people with similar needs to yours.

Check reputable online directories

There are online directories that can help you find a therapist in your area (such as the Hypnotherapy Directory, see image for an example of a listing). These directories often allow you to search by specialty and location. They also verify a therapist's qualifications and require them to be registered with organisations such as the CNHC (see link below). Once you have a few potential therapists in mind, take some time to read their profiles, any testimonials they have and visit their websites. A therapist’s website often gives a good sense of who they are and some insight into how they work with clients. It is important to look at their experience, especially in the area you want help with, their approach to therapy and if they are qualified and registered with professional organisations. Be wary of therapists that say they work with any and every issue and offer 'guarantees' as this is not realistic or professional.

Make contact with the therapist/s you have chosen as a possible fit

Always try to speak with them on the phone. Most therapists offer this and any therapist worth their salt will want to have a brief chat with you so that you can ask them questions such as 'what the process is and the cost?'. 

Interview them with direct questions and get clarity about who they are and how they work before you make a first appointment.

Next time in Episode 3 I’ll give you tips on the type of questions to ask them to find out if they are a good fit for you.

Helpful links

• Hypnotherapy Directory  https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/ 
• General Hypnotherapy Register https://general-hypnotherapy-register.com/hypnotherapist-search/
• Complementary Natural Healthcare Council https://www.cnhc.org.uk/#gsc.tab=0
• Episode 2 https://adiscerninglife.co.uk/a-discerning-life/f/la-dolce-vita-series-a-roadmap-to-starting-your-therapy-journey-1

Author Bio

Paula Hamilton is a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in private practice. She has a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy and a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.). She is a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and holds the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). Paula is also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. She is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.

Episode 1 Where do you start?

When you have a life issue that you need help with, finding a therapist that is a good fit is a crucial step in creating your own La Dolce Vita – the Sweet Life. A good therapist can provide you with the support, guidance and tools you need to improve your life and wellbeing. However, with so many different types of therapy and therapists available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some tips:

Take a moment to consider why therapy and why now

Before starting your search for a therapist it’s worthwhile taking a moment to consider what you want to achieve through therapy. Asking some of the following questions can help to clarify your ideas:

• Are you looking to address a specific issue, such as anxiety, insomnia, depression or a relationship problem?
• Are you seeking help for ways to handle professional/workplace issues such as public speaking or work interviews? 
• Do you have a goal that you need support achieving?
• What outcome are you hoping for?
• What are your expectations of a therapist and the process?
• What do you think a therapist’s role is?
• What skills do you think you need help developing?
• Do you have the energy, time and finances to commit to the process?
• Are you willing to attend regular sessions?
• Are you able to invest energy in developing skills outside sessions?

Psychotherapist Esther Perel gives advice in her blog to ‘go for the most experienced person you can afford’. This is key advice as therapists’ experience and training is not all equal and being in a safe and experienced set of hands is key to having confidence in the process and achieving the change you are looking for.

After working through these questions, hopefully you will have clarity about what you need from your therapy journey. The next episode will help you narrow down your search for your therapist….

Author Bio

Paula Hamilton is a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in private practice. She has a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy and  a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.). She is a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and holds the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). Paula is also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. She is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.

It’s part of my personal story more than my professional one. It’s a part of my story that I don’t talk about much with clients, unless asked, as I firmly believe the therapy space is all about them and not about me. So yes, this blog is for providing good quality information about creating and maintaining great mental health and wellbeing, helpful ideas about managing life, relationships and times of change as well as tools and tips for living a life free of anxiety and stresses such as depression and insomnia. It’s also a wee space where I can occasionally share some of my story, giving a little more insight into who I am.

Why the Italian connection?

I spent over 6 years living in Italy in my 20s and met my Italian husband there, in fact, my married name is Cencioni (I do spend quite a bit of time spelling it on phone calls!). We lived in Australia in our 30s for a while before moving to Scotland where we have settled. We speak Italian at home still and spend most of our holidays in beautiful Tuscany. All of the personal website photos were taken there, the ones of me are when I am at my happiest and just for fun the blog launch photo is of me sitting in a model of the cute Fiat 500 called Dolcevita! Italy is where I feel at ‘second’ home (‘at home’ being in Scotland, of course) and it is an important part of my identity.

The Italian phrase La Dolce Vita ‘the sweet life’ encompasses for me that idea of living a simple, enjoyable life with a good dose of reality, perspective and ability to weather the not so sweet parts of life with ease and grace. A life that you mould into a shape that fits you personally. A life that reflects your values, your preferences, the things that bring you joy and fulfilment. It is an intentional, discerning way to live hence my practice is called a Discerning Life with Paula Hamilton as it is all about helping clients create their own version of that kind of life. 

For more about how I work with clients visit https://adiscerninglife.co.uk/brief-therapy

I’m looking forward to sharing La Dolce Vita journey with you. Please subscribe to stay up to date and feel free to get in touch with topics you’d like to read about or questions you may have – visit https://adiscerninglife.co.uk/contact-paula or give me a call on 07757 112 998

Author Bio

Paula Hamilton is a Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist with over a decade of experience in private practice. She has a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis & Strategic Psychotherapy and  a Diploma in Applied Clinical Hypnotherapy (Dip.C.H.t.). She is a Senior Practitioner with the General Hypnotherapy Register (G.H.R. Reg.) and holds the Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (S.Q.H.P.). Paula is also an Acknowledged Supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register, providing one to one supervision for other therapists. She is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (C.N.H.C.) for Hypnotherapy.