Discover how to find the right therapist
finding the perfect Fit
Searching for a therapist can be a deeply personal journey, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable or uncertain.
At Safe Spaces Therapy Online, I understand the importance of finding someone who aligns with your needs and values. Here’s a guide to help you make informed choices as you explore options for therapy.
You’re unique, and you deserve a therapist which fits properly with you.
At a glance
- Understand what makes a therapist the right fit — it’s more than just credentials.
- Learn how to reflect on your needs, ask the right questions, and explore different therapy approaches.
- Discover how trust, relationship, and presence shape real therapeutic change.
- Get practical tips for choosing a therapist who aligns with your values and goals.
- Includes directories, reflective prompts, and what to expect from first contact.
Searching for a therapist can be a deeply personal journey, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable or uncertain. At Safe Spaces Therapy Online, I understand the importance of finding someone who aligns with your needs and values. Here’s a guide to help you make informed choices as you explore options for therapy.
What to Look For in a Therapist
When starting your search, consider these key factors:
Qualifications and Training:
Choosing a professionally trained therapist who is a member of a recognised body, such as BACP or the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, provides assurance that they adhere to high ethical standards and are committed to ongoing professional development.
It’s also important to know that counselling in the UK isn’t currently regulated by law — meaning anyone can technically call themselves a “therapist.” That’s why checking for registration with a professional body matters. These organisations uphold ethical codes, offer complaints procedures, and ensure a clear duty of care. It’s an added layer of protection to help ensure you’re working with someone safe, skilled, and accountable.
If you’re wondering – I’m accredited with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), a member of ACTO (Association for Counselling and Therapy Online), and registered through the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) — which means my work meets recognised UK standards for safe and ethical practice.
Comfort and Trust:
Research shows that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for effective outcomes. Look for someone with whom you feel comfortable and can build trust, as therapy often involves sharing personal experiences.
Specialisms:
If you’re working through specific concerns, like anxiety, grief, or trauma, finding a therapist with experience in those areas can be highly beneficial.
Reflecting on Your Needs
Before reaching out to potential therapists, take some time to consider what’s most important to you. Ask yourself:
- What qualities am I hoping my therapist will have? (e.g., warmth, empathy, directness)
- What do I hope to achieve through therapy? (e.g., managing anxiety, improving self-understanding)
These questions can help clarify what type of therapist might be the best fit for your goals and values.
Reaching Out: Your First Contact
When you first reach out, feel free to ask questions about the therapist’s experience and approach to help gauge whether it’s the right fit. Some questions you might consider include:
- Experience and Approach: “What is your experience with issues similar to mine?”
- Session Structure and Availability: “What does a typical session look like? Are sessions held weekly, and do you have flexibility with scheduling?”
- Boundaries and Confidentiality: “What should I expect in terms of confidentiality, cancellations, and general policies?”
This initial contact can provide insights into how comfortable you feel and whether the therapist’s approach resonates with you.
We’re all wired differently — not everyone will gel. And without connection or relationship, is therapy really going to help?
Even as a therapist, I had to try a few before I found the right fit. Therapy works best when there’s a real connection — not just credentials on paper.
Things to Consider as You Begin Therapy
Once you’ve had a few sessions, take time to reflect on your experience:
- Listen to Your Intuition: Pay attention to how you feel after each session. Do you feel respected and heard? Do you feel like the therapist understands your perspective?
- Assess Your Comfort Level: Therapy is most effective when there’s open communication. If you have any concerns, raising them with your therapist can strengthen the therapeutic relationship.
- Consider Your Long-Term Goals: Sometimes, a therapist may be right for a specific issue or timeframe, and it’s okay to reassess as your needs evolve.
Starting Your Search
Finding the right therapist can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Trusted directories like the BACP Directory, the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society, or the Counselling Directory are good starting points to explore.
But remember, therapy isn’t just about qualifications on paper — it’s about the relationship you build with your therapist. Take time to read a few profiles, notice who feels approachable, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Sometimes a quick call or even an initial session is enough to know whether it feels like the right fit. And if it doesn’t, that’s okay — many people try a few therapists before finding the one that feels right for them.
