Deciding to go to therapy is always a positive step as it acknowledges the importance of setting aside an hour a week to talk to a therapist or a counsellor about any challenges that may be blocking you. Your reasons for seeing a therapist could range from a major event like the breakdown of a relationship to wanting to explore issues in your life, so it is vital to find an accredited therapist who is a trusted source. The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) has been connecting the community with accredited therapists for more than 40 years.
The IACP is the largest counselling and psychotherapy association in Ireland. As well as being a link between those looking for therapy and those providing the service, it maintains practice and training standards. Much of the organisation’s work involves developing high standards in the profession of counselling/psychotherapy. It has established a comprehensive code of ethics and practise for its members. The IACP embraces equality, diversity and inclusion and operates in a trustworthy and transparent manner.
Finding the right therapist for you is crucial for the success of your journey. There is more to connecting with the appropriate professional than location.
As Jade Lawless, Vice Chair of IACP says: “There are different types of issues that therapists will work with. There are lots of different models of counselling and psychotherapy, but interestingly, research shows that the relationship with your therapist is one of the most defining characteristics for you to feel that therapy is working for you. That’s why it’s really important to choose a trusted and accredited therapist. Different therapists have different styles. It’s okay to test the waters at an initial session and see how that feels before you commit.”
In other words, ‘shopping around’ is perfectly acceptable.
Our modern society has many challenges that can be navigated through therapy.
As Jade points out: “There’s the increased use of social media and the fact that it’s now the norm to work from home. We’re accessible to other people 24/7. Children especially find it difficult to move away from their screens. Before, you went to school, you came home to a safe haven whereas now, everything follows you as you’re constantly online. This impacts mental health and self-esteem. It can lead us to compromise our own boundaries. We’re definitely seeing an increase in anxiety around that in recent years, and also since the pandemic.”
With professionals on hand to help people deal with often difficult issues, it’s reassuring to know that you can approach your therapist in a totally open and honest manner, safe in the knowledge that everything is confidential.
“We all know that navigating a personal issue on your own is difficult. In the short term, it’s beneficial to open up and share your experiences and your fears with a trusted accredited professional, this could bring you comfort and relief. As you move into the relationship with the therapist, you can begin to understand your own thoughts and feelings a little bit better, which will increase your self-awareness. That will increase your confidence and give you new coping skills to navigate life situations. It helps with emotional regulation. You can carry the therapy tools outside the therapy room and apply them throughout your life.”
The increased use of social media and the transition to working from home mean we’re now accessible to other people 24/7. This can be a source of significant anxiety.
Going to counselling/therapy these days has become more acceptable. “But we’ll always be working against some form of stigma which is why it’s so important to speak openly and understand how counselling can benefit you. It’s the age-old adage, a problem shared is a problem halved.”
If you need someone to talk to, the IACP can help you connect with an accredited therapist in your community. The Find a Therapist Tool gives details of counsellors/psychotherapists in your area including their qualifications, therapeutic services available, and fees charged.
