1. Make sure she or he is registered with a professional body such as BACP (British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy), UKCP (United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy) or a chartered member of the BPS (British Psychological Society). If in doubt ask about her/his qualifications and check with the relevant professional body. If wanting to work with fertility issues look for accredited membership of BICA (British Infertility Counseling Association)
2. Make sure there is a complaints and disciplinary procedure and she/he is working to a professional code of ethics
3. Ask for an initial two-way assessment session – remember, this is going to be an important relationship and it is worth waiting to find the right counsellor for you
4. If you feel very uncomfortable with a counsellor, trust this instinct
5. Sort out any pay arrangements at the outset
6. Establish a contract – how many sessions, what are the review arrangements, cancellation fees?
7. Talk to the counsellor – you can say anything you want!
8. Be thoughtful and quiet if you wish
9. Bear in mind that counseling is very rarely easy
10. Expect changes, not miracles
BICA: www.bica.net
BACP: www.bacp.co.uk tel: 0870 4435252
UKCP: www.psychotherapy.org.uk
BPS: www.bps.org.uk
