In this body obsessed culture we live in, when we want to make physical changes we know exactly where to go and what to do - start running, join the gym and religiously follow an eating programme. But how and where do you go about starting an emotional exercise regime? Here are 10 tips on finding a good therapist -

1. Forget the Yellow Pages - I'm sure you have for everything else you're trying to find. Instead look for online counselling directories. If you're readin this and you're looking for a therapist right now, you'll find the links on the right helpful.
   
2. Ask someone you know who's had therapy - A personal recommendation is a really good place to start.
3. Ask a professional - Your GP surgery is very likely to offer some sort of counselling, very likely to be short term. Be prepared for the possibility of a waiting list.
4. Use a known therapist as a resource - ask me! I'm very happy to answer any questions or queries as best as I can. You can email me.
5. Use resources at work - A lot of bigger companies run Employee Assistance Programmes. The best way to enquire about this is usually to have a conversation with your HR department. You don't have to specific, you can just say you're dealing with something in your personal life you think it would helpful to get some perspective on.
   
6. Charities are resources - A number of charities exsist to provide counselling to particular issues or client groups eg: Cruse Bereavement Support, the Cancer Counselling Trust, Mind...
7. Check with your health insurance - Some health insurers in the UK like Bupa etc offer psychological support, give them a quick call to find out if you're covered for this. They will have a list of approved providers that they can refer you to.
   
8. Use the internet - Researching therapists on the web will give you a much clearer idea of who's out there, how much they charge, where they're based and so on.
   
9. Google them! - Once you've done a bit of research you can Google them. They might have a blog or have published some articles and discovering these will help you get a better picture of them.
   
10. Don't limit yourself - some therapists are still quite old school and don't have an online presence. That doesn't mean they won't be the perfect match for you.
    

The most important thing to remember is to be picky. An emotional work out can be just as tiring (and sometimes painful) as a physical one, so make sure you're picking the right trainer!