What type of psychotherapy should I chose?

It is helpful to know that “the best” psychotherapy does not exist. When choosing a type of psychotherapy, one thing to consider should be whether it has been found to be effective. CBT and some types of psychodynamic psychotherapy have been found to be effective, and MBCT may prevent relapse in people with recurring depression.

However, there are other points to think about. Independent of the type of psychotherapy, the relationship that is developed in the first few sessions between the patient and the therapist is very important. If an ‘alliance’ develops, this good relationship will be vital for the success of the therapy.

You might also want to consider the following:

  • What types of therapy are available in my area?
  • When is the right time to start therapy?
  • Is there an available space? If not, how long do I have to wait?
  • How will I pay for the treatment?
  • Can I imagine really engaging in this type of therapy?
  • How much time do I want to spend? It makes a difference if you have one or three sessions per week.
  • You should feel you are able to trust your psychotherapist and be able to build a working relationship. If you are having difficulties, after two or three sessions, it may be worth talking to your doctor again. You might prefer to try a different therapist or switching therapy type, rather than giving up therapy altogether.

It is useful to ask advice from your GP or personal doctor. In general, your doctor will know some therapists specialised in different therapies and can refer you to a therapist or therapy s/he believes you will get on well with. Alternatively, your GP might feel that you do not require psychotherapy depending on his/her view of your situation. You might agree or disagree with this; the decision of whether to engage in psychotherapy is ultimately yours.