How to Tell if Your Therapist is a Good Fit

When looking for a new therapist, potential clients are often looking for the right fit. But what does that mean exactly? Fit is something I emphasize when meeting with clients for the first time, but sometimes it is hard to know what to look for when it comes to finding the right therapist. Here are 5 signs that you have found a good fit:

You feel comfortable.

Trust and safety are established over the course of the relationship, but your gut may also recognize the therapist as a safe person. This can also include feeling safe in the office environment created by the therapist.

 The therapist has experience or training in your presenting concern.

You can gain insight into your therapist’s professional background through reading bios and instagram accounts. It can be helpful to ask questions during the consultation phase to gain information about a therapist’s focus and experience.

 Sessions leave you feeling understood and validated.

When looking to create change, it is helpful to connect behaviors to our past experiences and receive validation. After all those behaviors served us at one point! Therapists also provide accountability and when it is a good fit, you may find yourself opening up to the idea of being challenged.

There is space to address what isn’t working.

Was there something said that didn’t really fit for you? Is a particular intervention not working? If you feel comfortable to address the disconnect with your therapist, you may be experiencing a good fit.

You are part of the process.

Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Are you being seen and heard by your therapist? Can you ask questions about the process and direction of therapy? These are important things to take into consideration.

Let’s say you figure out it is not a good fit or something is not working. It might be a good idea to bring it up in your next session. It might be something that can be addressed and changed through the current relationship. If not, you can choose to continue exploring other therapists. After all, the relationship between client and therapist is a powerful and essential part of the therapeutic journey.

 Take a look at our therapists’ bios here to explore and find someone who might be the right fit for you.

Authored by: Rachel Tweed, LPC