I think I may need to see a new counsellor

Once you are seeing a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist you need make sure they are right for you. Not all counsellors, psychiatrists or psychologists are the same. If you do not like the first or even the second or third person you see it is important to try again with someone else. Like any relationship you have with friends, family or the people you work with, your relationship with your counsellor, psychiatrist or psychologist is best when you trust them. Gaining this trust may take time. For more information about assessing a relationship check out the fact sheet on the left hand side of the page.

Deciding if the person you choose is the right one

Some of the questions you can ask yourself to help you decide are:

• Did I like talking to the person?
• Did I feel it helped?
• Did I feel respected?
• Did I feel listened to?
• Could I grow to trust this person?

If you answered 'no' to some of these questions, you may wish to consider changing who you are seeing.

Talking about tough issues may make you feel sad, angry, frustrated or uncomfortable. It is not uncommon to direct these feelings towards your counsellor, psychiatrist or psychologist. It may be helpful to see if you can work out whether your need to change counsellors or therapists is the individual's style or personality or the content you are talking about. Talking with your counsellor about it may help you to decide whether it is best to see someone else.
There are some things you can do that may help you to get the most of out the time you spend with a counsellor or therapist. For more info check out the What you can do to get the best help fact sheet on the right hand side of this page.

If you want some ideas on who else you can talk to, look at the Who can help you section.

Doctor or mental health professional

To find a doctor or mental health professional see the beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners in Mental Health http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=107.1007

Psychologist

Or, you can also find a psychologist through the Australian Psychological Society Find a Psychologist Service (http://www.psychology.org.au/FindaPsychologist/Default.aspx?ID=1204)
Other

You may also want to ask friends or your local doctor if they can recommend anyone.

Community health

Look up 'Community Health Services' in the White Pages or the Lifeline service finder (http://justlook.org.au/) to find out what groups are being run.

Look up 'Family counselling' in the White Pages or the Lifeline service finder (http://justlook.org.au/)to find out where family counselling might be available. You may also want to ask your local GP if they can recommend anyone.