Counselling/Community Support

Recovering from the impact of suicide may require some professional support.

Whether you have survived an attempt or are grieving a suicide you may want to engage a professional therapist to accompany you on your journey of recovery.

The therapeutic relationship has many benefits. Here are just a few:

• Provides an outlet to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment
• Is focused on your needs, on a way to help you
• You can talk with a therapist in ways you probably won’t talk with friends and family
• A therapist will listen in ways that friends and family generally don’t
• Offers an opportunity to “practice” relating to others in new ways that support your recovery
• Offers an opportunity to enhance your problem solving skills
• A therapist will be your cheerleader, believing in you until you believe in yourself

Choosing a Therapist

There are several things you may wish to consider when choosing a therapist.

Therapeutic relationship

• The relationship you establish with your therapist will be essential to your success. Look for someone you feel comfortable and at ease with.
• Is the therapist relaxed and comfortable, will they challenge you when you need it, will they be available by phone between sessions if needed, will they be active and engaged in an open conversation, are they flexible while maintaining healthy boundaries, will they clearly outline their office policies i.e.: confidentially, fees. Will they periodically evaluate your progress with you, will they listen to what you believe is helpful or not helpful.
• Are they willing to chat with you at no cost for 10-20 minutes to discuss their suitability? Will they refer you if they are not a good fit for you?

Training and Experience

• What education and experience does the therapist have? Do they have training and experience in the areas that are pertinent to you i.e.: grief counselling, depression.
• How long have they been practicing? What is their particular expertise? What is their approach to therapy? Are they flexible with their approach?
• Do they consult with other professionals for peer support and/or practice supervision?

General

• What is the therapist’s fee? Is the fee covered under employee benefits? Is the fee tax deductible? When is payment of fees due?
• Is the therapist’s office convenient to you? Is the therapist’s office accessible?
• Is there a wait list, if so how long? Is there a limit to the number of sessions they can provide?

The above are some things you may consider and ask about when choosing a therapist however do not hesitate to ask anything that you believe is important for you to know prior engaging a therapist.

If you engage a therapist and do not feel it is working don’t give up on working with a professional, it may just be that the therapist you are currently working with is not a good fit for you. If that is the case, find another therapist.

Community Supports in London-Middlesex

Acknowledgement

• Seasons of the heart: a bereavement directory for london and region. Prepared by the Bereavement Services Committee of London.