How to Choose a Therapist
A Connection That Just Feels Right
It might sound simple, but the most important part of therapy is feeling seen, believed in, and safe. The best therapeutic relationship blossoms when there’s genuine trust and mutual respect.
What Qualities Matter to You?
Here’s a guide to help you discover what feels right:
1. What Are You Looking For Help With?
Think about your goals—maybe you want clarity, more peace, or just to feel less stuck. A therapist with experience in the areas you’d like to explore can help tailor your path forward.
Even if you're not sure exactly what you need, that’s okay! Part of therapy is exploring what might help.
2. What Style of Therapy Resonates with You?
Are you drawn to a structured, goal-focused approach or something more intuitive and open-ended?
Different methods work best for different challenges. A skilled therapist will guide you—and may adapt to match what feels most natural for you.
3. Who Do You Feel Most Comfortable With?
Consider the personal qualities that help you open up: age, gender, cultural background, or spiritual beliefs.
Identifying what matters to you here helps create a space where you can truly relax and be yourself.
Trust Your Instincts
After your first meeting, check in with yourself:
Did you feel heard, respected, and understood?
Was there a sense of connection or ease?
Did you feel comfortable sharing what’s on your mind?
If the answers are yes, that’s a strong sign you're headed in the right direction.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Too many issues to deal with?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Therapy often begins when life pushes us to explore deeper. Maybe it was a particular event, a shift in your mood, or simply a longing for something to change. Here are some questions that can help you get started:
What inspired you to seek therapy at this moment?
What are your hopes for these sessions? (Even if it’s just a feeling or a gentle shift.)
What are the top few things on your mind that matter right now?
What’s the smallest step forward you’d like to take—maybe just in one session?
What would make today’s session feel meaningful or helpful to you?
Even answering one or two of these can help bring some clarity. And if you’re not sure just yet and that’s completely okay too. No judgment here, just a caring space.
