How to Choose the Right Therapist for You
Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision—one that can significantly influence the success of your healing journey. Are you looking for a counsellor who integrates nature into sessions? Do you need someone who offers flexible appointment times or online support? In this post, we’ll explore key questions to ask, why rapport matters, and how options like Walk & Talk Therapy can enrich your experience.
Start with Your Needs
Begin by thinking about what brings you to therapy. Are you looking for support with anxiety, grief, relationship issues, or a long-standing pattern that feels stuck? Identifying your main concerns can help narrow your options and guide you toward therapists who specialise in those areas.
Ask yourself:
Do I want short-term support or a longer-term space to explore deeper patterns?
Am I more drawn to talking, creative expression, or body-based approaches?
Do I feel more comfortable in traditional indoor settings or with options like outdoor therapy?
Understand Different Approaches
Therapists use different models of therapy. While it’s not essential to understand them all, having a basic awareness can help you decide what feels right.
Person-Centred / Humanistic: Focuses on empathy, acceptance, and your inner capacity for healing.
Psychodynamic: Explores how past experiences shape present behaviour.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours.
Integrative or Eclectic: Combines different approaches to suit your needs.
You might not know what works for you at the start—and that’s okay. Many therapists use a mix of approaches and adapt their style as they get to know you.
Practical Considerations Matter
The best therapy in the world won’t help if it doesn’t fit into your life. Think about:
Location: Do you want face-to-face sessions, online therapy, or outdoor options like Walk & Talk?
Availability: Can the therapist see you at times that work for your schedule?
Cost: Are their fees within your budget? Do they offer low-cost slots or sliding scales?
Accessibility: Do you need wheelchair access, privacy at home, or a therapist who can accommodate neurodiversity or sensory needs?
Consider the Gender of Your Therapist
For some people, the gender of their therapist can be an important factor. You might feel more at ease opening up to someone of a particular gender due to past experiences, cultural background, or simply personal comfort. This isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what feels safe and supportive for you.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel more able to talk openly with someone of a certain gender?
Might it be helpful to explore difficult experiences with someone who brings a different perspective?
Am I unsure? Would I be open to trying a session and seeing how it feels?
It’s completely valid to include gender in your decision-making process. A good therapist will understand that safety and comfort are essential for the work to unfold—and that starts with you feeling at ease in the room (or outdoors, or online).
Rapport Is Key
Research shows that the relationship between you and your therapist—the therapeutic alliance—is one of the biggest predictors of successful therapy. You don’t have to feel instantly at ease, but you should feel heard, respected, and not judged.
Consider:
Do I feel safe and comfortable talking to this person?
Do I feel understood, or am I holding back?
Is there space to bring up concerns if something doesn’t feel right?
Most therapists offer an initial consultation or intro call—use it to get a sense of whether you “click.”
Trust Your Intuition
Choosing a therapist isn’t like hiring a plumber or buying a product. It’s a relationship. Sometimes, we just know when something feels off—or feels right.
If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work out, don’t be discouraged. The right fit can make all the difference. You deserve to feel supported and understood.
Walk & Talk Therapy: A Different Way to Connect
If traditional settings don’t appeal to you, Walk & Talk Therapy offers a refreshing alternative. Moving side by side, often in nature, can help reduce pressure and encourage reflection. For some people, it feels more grounding, more open—and more human.
This approach may suit you if:
You feel calmer outdoors or struggle with eye contact.
You find it easier to talk while moving.
You want a less formal, more holistic space to explore what’s going on.
In Summary
Finding the right therapist can take time, but it’s a worthwhile investment in yourself. Be curious, ask questions, and trust that the right support is out there. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process—and that’s its greatest strength.
Download my checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Before Starting Therapy”
Contact me if you want to book a 20 minute intro call to find out more about my practice.
