Your Mind, Your Match: A Fresh Guide to Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can feel personal, overwhelming, and a little uncertain—especially when you’re not sure where to begin. You're not alone in feeling this way, and it’s okay to take your time as you figure out what feels right.
Getting Clear on What You Need
What’s bringing you here?
Before you start looking for a therapist, it helps to take a quiet moment to reflect on what’s bringing you here. Are you hoping to manage anxiety or low mood? Maybe you’re navigating a tough life transition, feeling stuck in relationships, or just wanting to better understand yourself.
Setting a gentle intention
Whatever it is, naming your reasons—however messy or uncertain—can give your search more direction. You don’t need to have it all figured out, but having a rough sense of what you’d like to explore in therapy can help you find someone whose approach aligns with your needs. Think of it as setting a gentle intention. It’s not about having the perfect plan—it’s about honouring what you need right now.
Knowing the Types of Therapy
Finding what fits
Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that’s a good thing. There are different approaches, each offering something unique, and you don’t need to be an expert to find one that works for you. Here’s a simple rundown of some common styles:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Helps you notice unhelpful thought patterns and learn new ways to respond.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Focuses on accepting difficult feelings and staying true to your values.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores how your past might be influencing your present, often in a more open-ended way.
Humanistic Therapy: Centred on personal growth, self-awareness, and the therapeutic relationship itself.
Solution-Focused Therapy: Short-term and goal-oriented, this approach helps you build on what's already working.
There’s no ‘right’ choice
You’re allowed to explore and ask questions. It’s okay to not know what suits you yet—that clarity often comes with time and experience.
Qualities to Look For in a Therapist
While therapy style can guide your search, what often makes the biggest difference is the person you’re working with. Look for someone who feels:
Empathetic and warm – someone who really listens and helps you feel seen.
Experienced – especially in the areas you want support with.
Clear in their approach – but also flexible to your needs.
Available and consistent – with times and communication that suit you.
Culturally sensitive – respectful of your identity, background, and values.
Genuine and present – someone who shows up with authenticity, not just professionalism.
At the heart of it all is connection. Feeling safe and supported matters most.
How to Find the Best Therapist for Your Needs
Taking the first steps
Once you have a sense of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start exploring your options. It doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—just take it one step at a time.
Start with our Team – You’ll find a group of experienced, caring therapists with a wide range of approaches and areas of focus.
Read their bios – Take your time here. Each profile gives you a glimpse into the therapist’s style, values, and special interests. You might find someone who resonates straight away.
Notice how you feel – Pay attention to who you’re drawn to, or what feels familiar or comforting. That instinct is worth trusting.
Reach out – You’re welcome to get in touch and share a bit about what you’re hoping for. It’s okay to ask questions or request a certain approach.
Finding support doesn’t mean doing it all alone. If you’re feeling unsure or don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Contact us and we can guide you toward a therapist who feels like the right fit—for your needs, your values, and your pace.
What a Good Match Can Feel Like
When therapy is a good fit, it often feels like being heard without judgment. You might notice small shifts—feeling lighter after sessions, thinking about things differently, or feeling more hopeful. A good therapist helps you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. You don’t have to explain every detail for them to “get it.”
It’s also completely normal if it doesn’t feel like that right away. Sometimes it takes a few tries to find someone you truly connect with—and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that therapy won’t work for you. Like any meaningful relationship, it can take time to build trust. You deserve to feel comfortable being yourself in the room.
Trusting Yourself Along the Way
There’s no checklist for choosing the right therapist—and that’s okay. It’s a personal decision, and how you feel in their presence really matters. If you find yourself softening, breathing a little easier, or feeling gently understood, those are good signs. If something doesn’t sit right, that matters too. You don’t have to justify it. Your comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s a need. Therapy should feel like a space where you can be your whole self without pressure or pretence. Trust your instincts, even if they feel small or uncertain. You’re allowed to want something that feels safe, respectful, and aligned with your values. That’s not being picky—that’s being kind to yourself.
Gentle Next Steps
You don’t have to figure it all out today. Take a moment. Breathe. Maybe your next step is reading a therapist’s bio, sending a quiet enquiry, or just noticing what you need. Whatever it is, you’re moving forward. That counts.