Feel Good Therapies - finding a therapist

Therapies United - Finding a Good Therapist

Mb>As a therapist, I’ve researched many types of therapies for my own health and to help signpost my clients to therapies that can help them. I’ve developed a top tips list that I use which will hopefully help you find a good therapist.

Check their credentials! Where did they learn and how long did it take? Was it certificated? Someone who commits to a 2-year course will have generally more in-depth experience than someone who takes a short-term night class.

Do they belong to a professional body? The standards set by these associations are to ensure that therapists offer an ethical and professional service.

How long have they practised? A recently qualified person may be extremely competent but perhaps don’t have the experience in special areas like cancer.

Do they work for a health clinic or therapy practice? Most places have an interview process and check out a therapist’s credentials on your behalf so you can (usually!) trust that they are competent.

Do they work from home? Many good therapists work this way as it is more cost effective but the really good ones will give you details of their facilities and perhaps a leaflet or website that shows you the therapy room.

How much? Anything from Ł30 - Ł40 per hour is a reasonable rate for most therapies. The price doesn’t always reflect the standards and can also be as a result of location (eg city centre).

Consultation this is an important part of your first visit and medical details should be taken. If it lasts longer than 15 minutes then you should be prepared to pay extra or have the time deducted off your treatment.

Cleanliness sounds obvious! However one of my experiences of massage was unclean towels and the therapist worked from home where 2 dogs were allowed into the room! I love animals but there are boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed!

Confidentiality you should be allowed to see the notes taken by the consultant to check you agree and give your signature to verify this.

Certificates and Insurance most therapists will have their certificates on display or easily available for you to see. Insurance is also a good sign that the therapist takes their job seriously.

We run a therapist Directory called Therapies United which has a thorough registration process before therapists can join. It is used as a resource by our partner organisations - Maggie's Centre for Cancer and Breast Cancer Care as some of the therapists have experience/trainng of working with cancer. It's also used by the Sick Kids Hospital Drop in Centre in Edinburgh. We are often asked to organise workshops or therapy tasters. We have a wide range of therapies and therapists are located around Scotland. A discounted rate is given to anyone who uses our partner organisations. If you want to know more, please visit www.therapiesunited.com..