Choosing a therapist for yourself or your child can feel overwhelming. With so many different titles, qualifications and approaches, it is not always easy to know what to look for.

Whilst training and professional registration are important, there is no single "best" therapist. The right therapist is someone who has appropriate training and experience, works safely and ethically, and offers an approach that feels right for you or your child.

If you are looking for therapy for a child or young person, it can be helpful to ask:

• What qualifications and professional registration does the therapist hold?

• Do they have specialist training and experience in working with children and adolescents?

• Are they insured, DBS checked and regularly supervised?

• What therapeutic approach do they use, and how do they adapt this to each individual child?

• How will parents or carers be involved in the process?

The therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes. Feeling safe, understood and able to build trust over time often matters just as much as the therapeutic model itself.

If you are unsure whether counselling or psychotherapy is the most appropriate option, we can discuss this together during an initial consultation and decide on the approach that best meets your needs.