When looking for a therapist it may be surprising or frustrating when seeing how much therapy can cost. The standard rate for a psychologist is £100+ and this article will explain where that price comes from.
While it may seem there is not much more to therapy than meeting in a real life or online room and talking, there are many things your therapist is doing in the background to make sure they can offer you effective and meaningful support.
Your therapist will have undergone training to be able to practice. A psychologist undertakes a doctorate degree, which involves a significant amount of investment to gain the specialised expertise they are bringing to your sessions and therapy.
As well as previous studies, a psychologist is expected to take part in Contuining Professional Development (CPD). CPD is ongoing learning and training through attending courses, reading the most recent research and attending conferences. This means you can be confident that your psychologist is staying aware of changes in mental health theory and new ways of practice that may be helpful to you.
Psychologists also have clinical supervisors. This is another, more senior psychologist who they can talk to about their practice. As is the case with therapy, supervision is strictly confidential. Supervision ensures that there is another person making sure your therapy is safe and helpful, and gives your psychologist a place where they can discuss how they are working and check any doubts.
Psychologists also must hold registration with the HCPC, which gives you confidence that your therapist is working within the regulations and guidelines agreed by the HCPC. It ensures they are practicing in a safe way and have obtained the correct education. Most psychologists also choose to be members of the British Psychological Society.
As well as the things in the background that you may not be aware of, there is also practical costs such as room hire, video conferencing subscriptions, professional indemnity insurance, materials and equipment, etc. Therefore the fee you are pay is incorporating all of these hidden and practical costs, enabling your therapist to provide safe, helpful and comfortable therapy to you.
Therapy is an investment of time and money, but it can be the most important investment you can make if it means living the life you want to live.