Alan Simms
IEng, MIIE, GHR Reg, GQHP.

  Counsellor, Hypnotherapist
& NLP Practitioner

To be an intelligent consumer and shop carefully for a good therapist is not easy, especially if you are feeling stressed , depressed or anxious. Yet shopping carefully is essential if you are to get the results you require. 

In order to help you make an informed assessment I have listed some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a therapist. It is wise to check these details for any therapist you consider using. Some questions can be asked over the phone whilst others could be discussed during an initial free consultation. 

• A referral from someone you trust is possibly the best way to begin
  
  
• The therapist should be registered with the main governing body or institute for that profession. Without this the therapist is not accountable to the ethics and standards within the profession
  
  
• The therapist is experienced in treating the type of problem you need help with
  
  
• The therapist can describe an approach to treatment, that they employ, that is consistent with what is known to be effective
  
  
• The therapist is open, responsive, caring, and good at both listening and at appropriately offering new ways to approach things
  
  
• The therapist has regular supervision sessions

Regulation

Hypnotherapy
Their are many bodies, associations and institutes covering therapies. Many different acronyms are used as credentials and thus it is often difficult to determine levels of ability, training and standards. 

In an attempt to set a comprehensive standard of practice the hypnotherapy industry have (in line with government suggestions) created the GHSC (General Hypnotherapy Standards Counsel). The  GHSC sets the standards of practice, ethics and training and is the ONLY official government and NHS recognised institute for the regulation of hypnotherapy. The GHSC has a register of  practitioners who can demonstrate that they have trained with an approved training establishment, have the correct level of qualifications for practice, are under regular supervision and are appropriately insured. This register is known as the GHR (General Hypnotherapy Register). Members have the letters "GHR Reg" and "GQHP" (General qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice) after their names. You should look for these credentials from any hypnotherapist you intend using.

NLP
The GHR also registers additional therapy skills such as NLP, stress management, etc.

Counselling
The best known body for Counselling is the BACP (British Association of Councillors and Psychotherapists), although there are others such as the UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy) that have very good reputations, offer codes of practice and ethics, etc. 

Supervision
Practising therapists are generally required to attend supervision sessions. These sessions monitor the therapist's work, give guidance to the therapist where required and ensure that the therapist is practising within their professional limits.

Insurance
All therapists must hold insurance for their practice. This should cover both public liability and professional indemnity.

Copyright (c) 2004 All rights reserved.
info@persoanal-therapy.co.uk

Terms and Conditions