How to find the right therapist

Written By diya bhatnagar

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Where do you start and what do you look for? How do you know if the therapist will be the right fit?

It’s an important step toward improving your mental health and well-being. The key is to find someone you feel comfortable with and who meets your specific needs. It is important to know that not every therapist will be the right match for you and that’s ok.

Here are some tips and considerations to help you make the best choice:

1. Determine What You’re Looking For

Before starting your search, think about why you’re seeking therapy. If possible, try and identify your main challenges (for example, dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or something else?). Another question you could ask yourself is, how would you ideally like to feel after therapy? Identifying your goals and challenges will help you find a therapist who has experience working in those areas.

2. Understand Different Approaches

Therapists use a variety of methods, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centred counselling, or integrative therapy. Researching these approaches can help you decide which one might suit you best. Alternatively, you can always ask the therapist for more clarity on their approach when speaking to them initially.

3. Check Qualifications and Memberships

In the UK, therapists should have proper qualifications and be registered with professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). This ensures they meet professional and ethical standards. Please feel free to ask for membership details or proof of qualifications.

4. Consider Practicalities

Think about whether you prefer in-person sessions, online therapy, or a mix of both. Consider the location, cost, and availability of the therapist to ensure their services align with your schedule and budget.

Also, consider if the therapist offers an opportunity to have an initial discussion (this could be over the phone/ in-person) to discuss what’s bringing you to therapy and what you would like to gain from the experience. Often, this is free of charge and can be helpful to find a suitable fit.

5. Trust Your Instincts

The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. During an initial session or consultation, pay attention to how you feel. Do you feel heard and understood? Do you feel comfortable sharing? Did you have the space to ask questions?

Questions to Ask a Prospective Therapist

To help you decide if a therapist is the right fit, consider asking these questions:

  1. What is your experience with clients facing similar issues to mine?

  2. How do you work with clients who may be different from yourself? How do you address diversity?

  3. What therapeutic approaches do you use, and how do they work?

  4. Are you accredited by a professional body?

  5. Is your work supervised?

  6. How do you tailor therapy to meet individual needs?

  7. What does a typical session look like?

  8. What is your availability, and do you offer online sessions?

  9. What are your fees, and do you offer sliding scale options?

  10. How will we evaluate progress in therapy?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right therapist is a personal journey, and it’s okay to take your time exploring options. Remember, the most important thing is finding someone who makes you feel safe, respected, and supported. By asking the right questions and trusting your instincts, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling experience.

diya bhatnagar