One thing many people might have promised themselves to do, given the nature of the last year living through a series of unprecedented challenges, might be getting psychotherapy. As a result, many persons often call us to ask when to access psychotherapy, discuss choosing a therapist or discover what is involved in the psychotherapy process.

These questions are critical when people think about something as important as investing in improving their mental health. Mental health is also a service offered by a range of practitioners; hence people should be curious and make queries before choosing to work with a clinician and engage in the therapy process.

The first question is: do I need to get therapy? We always tell people they do not need to be experiencing a full-blown crisis to secure psychotherapy. Getting treatment can be helpful for a whole range of challenges. From niggling concerns like “It feels like there is something not quite right about the way I am experiencing my life right now” or “I am feeling stuck” to “I want to make some important decisions about my future.”

Various experiences can complicate life and might influence someone soliciting mental health services, including having a history of unresolved trauma, persistent sadness or anxiety, unresolved grief, suicidal thoughts, self-harming or self-sabotaging behaviours, and drug and alcohol misuse. Difficulties in relationships are also an excellent reason to seek help; this includes feeling disconnected or experiencing persistent conflicts in romantic or family relationships.

Many people experiencing challenges first depend on natural helping systems. So they will seek counsel from family, friends, and members of their religious or spiritual communities. However, if it feels like this assistance is not helping or providing the necessary direction, this might be a good time to call a professional helper.

The lovely thing is that the pool of mental health professionals in Barbados and the Caribbean has grown significantly over the last twenty years. These mental health professionals include clinical social workers, couple and family therapists, psychologists, counsellors, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, art and creative therapists, and pastoral counsellors. People can access these clinicians in government agencies, community-based and non-profit organisations, and private practices. In addition, many of these persons are publically listed in the telephone directory or advertise their services online.

Because fit, trust, and developing a therapeutic relationship with a provider are crucial considerations in mental health, we usually ask people to spend some time calling around to speak to different mental health professionals. Given the small size of our communities, it might also be helpful to ask family members, friends, and colleagues about who they might suggest as a clinician. Finally, once someone contacts a clinician, we recommend asking various questions to discover if this is a potential match.

Some critical questions to ask any potential provider include:

• “What is your training?” Most mental health professions require a minimum of a master’s degree and some supervised internship.

• Depending on what prompted psychotherapy, it is also helpful to ask, “What are some of your specialist skills?” Many psychotherapists have a variety of specialist skills. Still, depending on the need, it might be beneficial to go with someone who, for example, has some competence and more training in treating the issue that concerns you. Psychotherapists in Barbados and the region have various specialist skills, including working with depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol misuse, bipolar disorder, and couple and family challenges.

• It might also be helpful to ask a potential provider: “What helping approaches do you utilise, and how do you believe change happens for clients? For example, some clinicians use particular helping methods, including systemic or relational approaches, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Other critical questions are logistical and include basic logistics: “How often do you meet with your clients?” or “How long does a course of treatment usually take?” “How long should we plan to meet with each other?” “How long does a consultation usually last?” and “Will I be able to bring my spouse or family members to a consultation?”
  

In one of his training programmes, Jomo worked in a couple and family therapy clinic, and one new client made appointments and visited each student therapist to decide who was the best fit for her concerns. While most people cannot, due to time and cost, see multiple therapists impressions are essential. If you have made an appointment and met with a professional and do not feel comfortable, it is vital to say that and speak to the therapist about what you need. Therapy is a collaborative process, and most professionals are very aware of the importance of client feedback in developing the treatment process. If it feels like they are not considering your concerns, finding another professional who can meet your needs will be essential.

This year is an excellent year to access mental health services, given all we have experienced. There are a variety of mental health providers here on the island of Barbados and in the region. Because fit, trust, and developing a therapeutic relationship with a provider are crucial considerations in mental health, calling around and asking critical questions will be essential. Finally, when you decide who your provider will be, be prepared to tell your provider what you need.