It’s a continual source of frustration to me that there are lots of people out there advertising themselves as being able to cure anxiety, depression, relationship problems and all manner of things when they are either unqualified to do so or very marginally qualified. The unfortunate thing at the moment is that anybody can call themselves a ‘counsellor’ and set up business. Sometimes these people cite training courses they have attended that are certified by various bodies but you can do a training course in counselling that is certified and regulated that lasts just 12 weeks, would you really want to give this person your trust (and money)? A degree in psychology is academically much better than a 12 week counselling course but even then it does not qualify people to address psychological problems, you need further training in addition to a psychology degree.
CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of therapy that is often talked about and for good reason. CBT is becoming the most popular form of therapy because it is fast and effective and recommended in the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Effectiveness) as being the most effective treatment for a wide range of psychological problems. The NICE guidelines are quality standards derived from government approved sources such as the NHS and the Department of Health.
Please don’t waste your time and money with somebody not properly qualified to help. What I frequently hear is people saying that they’ve tried ‘counselling’ with somebody and it didn’t help which then makes them reluctant to work with somebody properly trained and qualified and they have to continue living with their problem.