Knowing you are looking for a therapist who identifies as is a good start. Still, with many types, knowing which type is best for your situation isn’t easy.
Step 1: Start by defining who the client is. Identifying the client narrows the field, e.g., if they are dealing with a physical illness, look for a health service psychologist.
This step is usually straightforward, but not always. For example, children and teenagers often act out in response to family issues. Child and adolescent therapy or counselling may seem appropriate, but a
family therapist or family therapy may help more. Marriage and relationships are similar. One partner may be distressed, but if relationship dynamics are the root, that is the client, and you need relationship therapy or couples counselling.
Step 2: Once you have identified who or what needs therapy, your next step is to clarify the specific needs and aims you want the process to address; try to be extra honest. Don’t worry if you don’t know; many people seek therapy only because they feel bad and want to feel better. Still, this is worth considering.
Most issues are clinical (mental health concerns), non-clinical, or relational. In clinical situations (
anxiety,
depression, personality disorder), always assess if the client is a danger to themselves or others. If they are, call emergency services for assistance.
Private practice psychiatrists are appropriate if the risk is manageable and the client can wait (maybe weeks or months) for an appointment. Clinical psychologists, formally trained psychotherapists, and clinical social workers are best in stable situations. Anxiety, depression,
OCD, and other mental health disorder therapies work best when the client can engage.
In non-clinical situations, your range of potential therapists increases substantially. Non-clinical therapists like licensed or registered marriage and family therapists also have specialised skills and often bring tremendous value to mental health concerns. However, their focuses vary; read their profiles and choose one interested in and experienced with your problem, especially if you need addiction counselling, trauma treatment, or an eating disorders therapist.
What if there is more than one of you? Most people seek counselling or therapy for themselves (individual therapy), but you might need help for a relationship or family problem. Individuals, couples, families, and groups require different skills (e.g.,
relationship therapy or marriage and couples counselling techniques), so if a relationship or family is the focus, a licensed marriage and family therapist or trained relationship counsellor is best.
What about counselling? Is it different from therapy? For registered counsellors with at least a bachelor’s undergraduate degree, counselling is a sophisticated talk-based technique that draws on psychology, looks like therapy, and can be therapeutic. Still, it is not therapy (as practised by clinicians).
Clinical therapies are evidence-based techniques proven to treat and relieve symptoms. Hence, clinicians like psychologists and clinical social workers have research and diagnostic skills training, i.e., an MA or PhD, to assess each therapy technique’s evidence base and appropriateness.
That’s not to say that counsellors or counselling are less than; counselling is highly effective but not a treatment for psychological and behavioural disorders. Instead, good counselling is non-pathologising, provides support, educates, clarifies thoughts and feelings, builds self-esteem, helps set goals and navigate stress, fosters well-being, and effectively guides you to growth and moving forward.
Whatever therapist you choose, remember that you can evaluate your process and know the choice is yours. If you are unsatisfied, tell your therapist. There are other therapists in Cape Town, so if your concerns persist, the therapeutic fit is vital; consider trying someone different. It may feel like starting from scratch, but it isn’t; your learning and the experience gained are with you forever.
Find therapists by identity, e.g., black, female, LGBT+, etc., in these countries...
