How to choose a therapist

For some people, figuring out which therapist to work with is straight forward.  You meet for a session and take it from there.  For others, it might take a bit of time.  You could be asking yourself whether therapy can really help and whether this is the right therapist for you.

If you are not sure, arranging one-off meetings with a few therapists can be a useful way to start the process.  By meeting two or three, you can get a clearer sense about what you need and who you feel you can work with.

The therapeutic relationship

Research has shown that a good working relationship between a person and a therapist is a significant indicator of positive therapeutic outcome. 

Many therapists will be paying attention to how you both relate to each other when you meet.   You might find it helpful to think along similar lines, asking yourself what kind of relationship works for you. 

This isn’t necessarily about getting the relationship 'right' but noticing what being with this person is like.  Do they remind you of anyone you know?  What do you have in common, and what is different?  You could ask the therapist questions about therapy to try and get a sense of the challenges you would be facing together.  Can you be open with this person?  What are the things you would find difficult to say?

How you feel at the end of your first session with a therapist is often a good indicator of what it will be like if you decide to continue working with them.