Therapist Filter - London (UK)
February 17, 2018 11:26 PM   Subscribe

A constellation of life events have me feeling increasingly, grindingly depressed. My old therapist retired, so I'm looking for someone new to help get me through this rough patch, and beyond. Do you have any personal recommendations for great female therapists? Or strategies for finding one?

I had a very positive experience with my last therapist, but she has long since retired. I saw her by chance, via an NHS referral. I am speaking with my GP next week about getting a similar referral if possible, but the waiting time to see someone will likely be months. However, I am in the fortunate position of being able to throw some money at this, at least for a few months, and see someone privately.

I've Googled around widely, but it's impossible to get a sense of if the therapists listed are any good, or if they'd work for my needs and personality. I've checked the usual places, e.g. the NHS' IAPT, but am no closer to finding a therapist. I'm aware the NHS refers to Big White Wall, and have used their community resources in the past, but what I need now is more intervention in terms of one-on-one time with a therapist.

Ideally, I would like to find a therapist with whom I could work through my stuff over the mid- to long-term, so not just a quick hit for now.

Requirements:
* Ideally, I could do all therapy online - e.g. over Skype / video - and I don't mind if the therapist is not based in the UK, just that they can work with me being based in London
* I might be able to meet in person if the therapist is located in central London, but for various reasons online is vastly preferable
* Female therapist
* I can afford at least a few sessions privately right now, but probably not over the long term. So if you know of a therapist to whom I could also/eventually get an NHS referral, I'm all ears

Issues I'm dealing with:
* Depression (medicated for this currently, and for past few years under care of my GP)
* PTSD from CSA, also potentially chronic PTSD
* Insomnia
* Distressing and sad life events

What I liked about my last therapist:
* Didn't mince her words, a straight talking older woman who said it like she saw it, but was always in my corner
* Mix of focus, as needed: lots of deep personal life history work, but balanced with practical stuff to get me through the week, get the shit done I needed to do. I do NOT want just a toolbox of CBT or similar though

It is increasingly hard to get through the days right now. Any help MeFites can give me in getting the help I need to keep on keeping on is very, very gratefully received.
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (2 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
I suggest you contact the Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy in Maida Vale. Your first session with them is talking to someone who won't be your therapist but who assesses your needs and requirements, and recommends one of the Centre's associated counsellors and psychotherapists to help you. It's worked well for me and a number of friends.
posted by Hogshead at 12:51 AM on February 18, 2018 [3 favorites]


I wonder if your old therapist could recommend anybody for you? Presumably he or she knows some other therapists in the area, and can vouch for their skills-- and might also have a better sense of who would be a personality "fit" for you.
posted by gemutlichkeit at 8:32 AM on February 18, 2018 [1 favorite]


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