How to Choose a Therapist

I’d argue that time spent talking to anyone about what’s troubling you is time well spent.

Nevertheless, just as there are good plumbers and bad plumbers, there are good therapists and not-so-good therapists. And you’ll be better off with a good one.

The best option, of course, is to get a personal recommendation.

But what if you don’t have that? Not everyone has friends who are therapists, or who’ve seen a therapist, and not everyone wants their friends to know they’re looking for one.

Like a lot of things in life, it pays to do a little research.

It may sound basic, but simply googling ‘therapists near me’ is not a bad place to start.

Take a look at a few therapists websites. You’ll find Sydney has a huge range, from cognitive behavioural therapists to psychodynamic psychotherapists to people offering narrative therapy. And that can get confusing. But there’s a simple test.

Ignore any technical language, and just see what you can tell about someone’s style and personality from their website. Does the writing sound like it’s been written by somebody you could work with? And what does it look like? Does the visual style feel right for you?

If you have a specific issue that you want help with – e.g. grief counselling or PTSD – then their website should tell you if that’s something they cover.

From there, make sure the practical aspects align. Is this a therapist that works on a day/ at a time that suits you? If you’re looking only for face-to-face therapy, or only online therapy, do they offer that? Does the cost work for you?

Finally, don’t be afraid to try two or three therapists and see what the fit’s like. Nothing is more important than your mental health, and you deserve someone who is 100% the right person to help you get to where you want to be.

If you’re reading this and you’re embarking on your search for a therapist, or you’re in the middle of it, I want you to know I genuinely wish the best for you. You are taking a brave step, and I’m sure you won’t regret it.