Finding the right Therapist
Looking for the right therapist? This guide explains how to choose a counsellor who’s the right fit for you - even if past therapy didn’t work out.
Finding a therapist can feel like a big step - especially if you’re already feeling vulnerable, stuck, or unsure where to begin. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, the right therapist can make a world of difference.
Here’s a simple guide to help you find a therapist who truly feels like the right fit for you.
Start with Why: What Are You Looking for Support With?
Take a moment to reflect on what’s bringing you to therapy. Are you experiencing:
Anxiety or overwhelm?
Relationship difficulties?
Low self-esteem or self-worth challenges?
Grief, trauma, or life transitions?
A desire for clarity or deeper self-understanding?
Knowing your “why” can help guide your search for someone who specialises in the areas you want to explore.
Not All Therapists Are the Same (and That’s a Good Thing)
One of the most important things to know: not every therapist will be the right match - and that’s okay.
Therapists bring different styles, personalities, and approaches to their work. Some are more reflective and client-led, others more structured or goal-oriented. If you’ve had a difficult or unhelpful therapy experience before, it doesn’t necessarily mean therapy isn’t for you - it might just not have been the right fit at that time.
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the connection that clicks. Don’t let one experience stop you from seeking the support you deserve.
Check Qualifications and Specialisations
When choosing a therapist, it’s important to make sure they’re:
Properly qualified and registered with a professional body (e.g. BACP)
Experienced in the areas you want support with
Offering an approach that resonates with you (e.g. person-centred, CBT, trauma-informed, EMDR, etc.)
Credentials matter - but the connection often matters more.
Use a Free Introductory Call (If Offered)
Many therapists offer a brief introductory chat or consultation before booking. This gives you a chance to:
Get a feel for their approach
Ask any questions about the therapy process
See how comfortable you feel speaking with them
You’re not committing to anything. This is your time to explore.
Notice How You Feel After the First Session
After you’ve spoken or met with a therapist, check in with yourself:
Did I feel seen and understood?
Was I comfortable enough to be honest?
Did I feel safe to share?
There may be some nerves early on - that’s normal - but a sense of safety and connection is key.
It’s Okay to Change Therapists
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to say so. Changing therapists isn’t a failure - it’s an act of self-care. You deserve to work with someone who feels like a good match for you.
Be Kind to Yourself During the Process
Looking for support is a courageous step. It’s okay to take your time. You don’t have to know exactly what you need or how to say it. Therapy is a space to figure those things out - and the right therapist will meet you wherever you are.
Therapy can be life-changing — but only when it feels safe, supportive, and attuned to you.
If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, don’t give up. The right therapist is out there, and they can make all the difference.
If you’re thinking about starting therapy and wondering whether we might be a good fit, I welcome you to get in touch for a no-pressure conversation. You deserve support that feels right for you.
How do i know therapy is right for me
It all begins with an idea.
Have you been thinking about starting therapy, but keep talking yourself out of it?
You’re not alone.
Many people quietly wonder if therapy might help, only to get stuck in a cycle of second-guessing:
“I should be able to handle this on my own.”
“It’s not that bad.”
“I wouldn’t know what to say anyway.”
If that sounds familiar, this post is for you.
Let’s talk about how to know if therapy is right for you, what might be holding you back, and why you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to get support.
Therapy Isn’t Just for a Crisis
There’s a common belief that therapy is only for when life completely falls apart. That you have to be in crisis or at “rock bottom” to justify reaching out.
But the truth is:
Therapy can support you at any stage of your journey — even when everything looks “fine” on the outside.
It might be right for you if:
You’re constantly overwhelmed or burned out
You feel stuck in the same patterns, but don’t know how to change
You struggle to switch off or feel emotionally disconnected
You want more self-understanding or peace of mind
You simply feel like things could be better — but you’re not sure how
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “how to know if therapy is right for me,” that in itself is a sign. You don’t have to be falling apart to want support. You just have to be ready to explore what’s going on beneath the surface — at your pace.
What Might Be Stopping You?
Even when people are struggling, they often hesitate to get help. Here are some common thoughts that get in the way — and some gentle truths to help shift them:
“I should be able to figure this out myself.”
We often believe that needing help means we’re weak or failing. But asking for support is actually a sign of self-awareness and courage. Therapy isn’t about giving up — it’s about choosing to face things with support instead of alone.
“It’s not bad enough for therapy.”
If something feels heavy, confusing, or just a bit off — that’s enough. You don’t need a diagnosis, crisis, or big reason. You deserve care simply because you’re human.
“What if I don’t know what to say?”
You don’t need to come with all the answers. That’s what therapy is for.
In my practice, we begin wherever you are. You set the pace, and I’m here to help you feel safe exploring whatever is on your mind.
“What if I get emotional?”
Then you get emotional — and that’s welcome here.
Therapy is one of the few spaces where you can truly let your guard down without fear of judgment.
Why Therapy Might Work for You
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you — because you’re not broken.
It’s a space for:
Exploring your thoughts, emotions, and patterns
Making sense of your inner world
Finding clarity, calm, and deeper self-understanding
Feeling genuinely heard and supported by someone who’s trained to listen
In my work, I focus on building a relationship that feels safe, warm, and accepting — so you can share openly, without fear of judgment or pressure.
Whether you're navigating a life transition, struggling with anxiety, or just want to feel more like yourself again, therapy can offer real support.
How to Know If Therapy Is Right for You
Here’s a simple truth: If you’re asking the question, it’s worth exploring.
There’s no perfect checklist or moment of certainty. If something inside you is saying “Maybe I could use some support,” — then that’s enough.
Even a single conversation can help you feel more grounded, clear, and connected.
Ready to Take the First Step?
I know reaching out can feel scary. That’s why I offer a free, no-pressure exploratory call — so we can talk about what therapy might look like for you and whether it feels like a good fit.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need a safe space to begin.
You don’t have to wait until it’s unbearable. Support is available now.