How to Choose a Therapist.
A therapist:
can be highly competent, and not necessarily why you would choose to work with them.
may be not what you are expecting or would normally choose to go with but they turn out to be just who you need to work with.
may specialise in one thing but still be able to help you with your core concern/s.
How to Choose a Therapist
When considering who to work with, the number of options can feel overwhelming. Platforms like Psychology Today and Good Therapy provide access to thousands of therapists, offering a variety of approaches and specialties. Whether you’re looking for in-person therapy or online Telehealth, you’ll find therapists with different genders, life experiences, ages, technical training, and levels of experience. There are also distinctions between counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists.
With so much choice, how do you decide who to work with?
What to Consider When Choosing a Therapist
1. Trust and Comfort
The relationship between a therapist and client is the foundation of effective therapy. You should feel a sense of trust, safety, and comfort with your therapist. This allows you to open up, share your thoughts and feelings, and fully engage in the therapeutic process. If you don’t feel comfortable or supported, therapy is less likely to be effective.
Ask yourself after your first interaction or session:
Do I feel understood and heard?
Do I feel safe sharing my thoughts and feelings with this person?
2. The ‘Good Fit’
Different therapists have different styles, approaches, and personalities. Finding a therapist who is a good fit can significantly impact the success of therapy. This includes:
Approach and Techniques: Does their therapeutic style align with what you’re looking for? For example, are they trauma-informed, solution-focused, or more psychodynamic?
Personality: Some clients prefer a warm, empathetic therapist, while others may respond better to someone more structured or directive.
Values and Life Experiences: Sometimes, shared values or similar life experiences can enhance the therapeutic relationship.
Remember, it’s okay to explore options. Many therapists offer a 15-minute consultation call to determine if their services match your needs. Taking advantage of this can save you from spending hundreds of dollars only to realise the therapist isn’t the right fit.
3. Specialty and Flexibility
While some therapists specialize in certain issues, such as trauma, anxiety, or relationship challenges, many are trained to address a variety of concerns. You don’t necessarily need a therapist who matches your exact issue but someone who is skilled at understanding and working with the core concerns you bring to therapy.
However, if you have a specific condition or need (e.g., PTSD, eating disorders), finding a therapist with relevant training or experience may be beneficial.
4. First Impressions May Be Misleading
Sometimes, you won’t know if a therapist is the right fit until you’ve had a session or two.
It’s common to feel unsure or even uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re new to therapy.
However, if you feel consistently disconnected or unsupported after a couple of sessions, it might be worth discussing this with the therapist.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Therapist
Define Your Needs:
Are you looking for short-term, goal-focused therapy or long-term, exploratory work?
Do you prefer in-person or online therapy?
Use Consultation Calls: Take advantage of free consultations to ask questions such as:
What is your approach to therapy?
Have you worked with clients facing similar challenges to mine?
Read Reviews and Profiles: Browse therapist profiles and testimonials to get a sense of their style and expertise.
Trust Your Instincts: Sometimes, your gut feeling is the best guide when choosing a therapist.
When It’s Time to Make a Change
It’s important to remember that therapy is your journey, and you’re in control. If you feel your therapist isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to:
Bring up your concerns in session. A good therapist will welcome feedback and work with you to address your needs.
If bringing up your concerns doesn’t address the issues you are having with your therapist, you may need to seek a new therapist. Moving on doesn’t mean therapy has failed (or you have failed therapy); it just means you’re prioritising what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to find someone who helps you feel seen, heard, and supported. Therapy is a collaborative process, and when you find the right match, it can be a transformative experience.
If you’re considering starting therapy and want to learn more, feel free to reach out or schedule a consultation call. I’d be happy to help you explore whether we’d be a good fit.
