✅ What to Look for in a CBT Therapist (And Why Accreditation, Qualifications and Experience, Matter)
- cbtbournemouth
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Choosing the Right Therapist: More Than Just a Friendly Face Or Good Marketing
When you are seeking support for anxiety, depression or low self esteem, finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. With so many professionals offering therapy, from counsellors to coaches, how do you know who to trust with your mental health?
If you are ready to invest in real, evidence-based change, here’s what to look for in a therapist and why qualifications and accreditation matter more than ever.
1. Choose a Qualified Therapist with Professional Training
Not all therapists are trained equally. The professional titles of Therapist, Counsellor, CBT Therapist, Psychotherapist are not protected in the UK meaning there are no legal requirements for qualifications and accreditation to operate using these titles. Some people calling themselves “therapists” or “mental health coaches” may have completed a very short course or online certification without any clinical experience or formal supervision.
If you are looking for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, ensure you are receiving ethical, professional, and effective support, look for therapists who have:
A recognised postgraduate qualification (e.g. Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in CBT)
Clinical training and supervised practice with the NHS or accredited services
Ongoing professional development and clinical supervision in line with accreditation standards.
2. Look for BABCP Accreditation (Gold Standard for CBT in the UK)
If you are looking specifically for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), make sure your therapist is BABCP accredited. This means they are recognised by the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies, the UK’s leading body for evidence-based therapy.
Why BABCP accreditation matters:
✅ Guarantees rigorous training and assessment
✅ Confirms ethical and clinical standards are met
✅ Protects you as the client with a formal complaints process
✅ Shows your therapist is committed to high-quality, evidence-based practice, reviving regular appropriate clinical supervision of their work and is committed to continued professional development specific to developing their practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I am proud to have completed by Post Graduate Diploma at the University of Exeter and to be a fully BABCP accredited therapist with years of experience working in both NHS and private settings. You deserve a therapist who’s clinically trained, experienced and committed to developing their knowledge and skills to practice in an ethical and appropriate way.
3. Consider Experience and Specialism (Not Just Cost)
You might notice some therapists or counsellors charging far less per session than I do. While affordability and access to mental health support matters, it’s important to understand why some professionals charge more.
A therapist with advanced clinical training, specialism in your area (e.g. anxiety, trauma, perfectionism) and NHS experience is bringing more than just a conversation, they’re offering evidenced based, structured, targeted support backed by psychological science.
💡 Investing in a highly trained therapist could mean faster progress, clearer goals, and better outcomes for you.
4. Ask About Their Approach and Values
Therapy is personal. It’s not just about ticking boxes it’s about working with someone who gets you, whom you feel comfortable with.
Questions to ask:
What type of therapy do you offer (CBT, EMDR, integrative)?
What experience do you have with my issue?
What training have you completed?
How do you track progress and set goals?
Are you accredited or supervised?
5. How to Get Started
If you are looking for an experienced, qualified, accredited CBT therapist who works with anxiety, burnout, depression or emotional overwhelm, I’d love to help. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based and rooted in years of experience.
✅ Sessions are private, tailored to your goals, and available both online a cross the UK and in Dorset.
📝 You can Book Online or read more about how CBT can help you
Final Thoughts
Therapy is an investment in your future. Choosing a qualified, accredited therapist could mean your time, energy, and finances are supporting real, lasting change. The same therapy or therapist won’t work for everyone.
If you are ready to work with someone who understands what works (and why), get in touch today.
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