Staying Safe:Talking Therapy
Whilst talking therapies are usually safe & are frequently effective, long-lasting negative effects can sometimes occur.
There are however, steps we can take to help ensure we have a positive therapeutic experience!
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It is often helpful before we start therapy:
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To think about what qualities we might value in a therapist.
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Familiarise ourselves with what, "good enough" therapy commonly looks like.
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Learn about, "red flags" that may indicate questionable practice.
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The titles, "psychotherapist" and "counsellor" are not protected in the UK. This means anyone can use them, even someone with absolutely no training or a £10 counselling course from the internet!
It is therefore important, we ensure therapists we see are suitably qualified & registered with a governing body overseen by, or accredited with, the UK Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
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Checking the professional register of any potential therapist will ensure they are listed & not currently working under sanctions. Sometimes therapists state, "they abide by the code of ethics of X organisation", which sounds good, but which offers us zero protection, if the therapist is not currently on the register!
The UK regulatory framework for talking therapy is fragmented, inconsistent & sometimes fails to protect. However, it is always worth seeking out therapists registered with a governing body who has PSA oversight/accreditation, because imperfect protection is a great deal better than none.