Nicole Walker, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) #15989 is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at MyLife Counselling in Guelph. She works with adults and children through anxiety, grief and loss, adolescent issues, self-esteem, family & relationships, school issues, spiritual struggles. Learn more about Nicole here.

How to Find the Right Therapist: Making the Journey Personal

Starting therapy, whether it is for the first time or revisiting after a long pause, is a venture which requires courage. The decision to seek support is often the hardest step, but once that has been made, the next hurdle can feel daunting: finding a therapist. As both a therapist and someone who has been a client, I know this is not always a straightforward journey. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and the therapist who is the right fit for you may not be the right fit for someone else. Finding a therapist who feels like a good match is one of the most important parts of your journey toward healing and growth.

For those new to therapy, the unknown can be a daunting place. If you do not know much about therapy, finding the right therapist might feel overwhelming. For others, an experience which did not fit, may create hesitations about trying again. But here is the encouraging truth: not all therapists are the same—and that is a wonderful thing!

Think of it like finding a great pair of jeans. Slim fit jeans may work for you, but really do not suit me! It might take trying on different pairs, but how grateful am I that there are so many assorted styles of jeans out there! The same goes for therapists; there are capable and compassionate therapists out there, but not every one of them will be the best fit for you. And that is perfectly okay! Here are steps to help you navigate this journey.

What Does It Mean to Find the Right “Fit”?

The “right fit” in therapy is all about your unique experience with the therapist and the therapy process itself. It is highly personal, and what feels right for you might be vastly different from what works for someone else. I once had a client choose to collaborate with me because they noticed I had a nose ring in my profile photo. To them, that detail hinted at a vibe that felt relatable and comfortable. Another client sought me out specifically because I offer spiritual support, which aligned with their values and goals. These intricate details are part of what makes the therapeutic connection personal and supportive.

How Do Therapists Differ?

Therapists vary in terms of their specialties, approaches, and the specific client needs they are trained to support—this is known as a therapist’s scope of practice. A therapist’s scope defines what issues they are qualified to address, the techniques they use, and the client populations they work best with. For instance, therapists can specialize in working with children and families, while others focus on trauma or couples’ therapy. Therapists use specific approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or Family Systems Therapy. Staying within their scope of practice ensures clients receive effective, ethical care.

Finding out if you are within a therapist’s scope is not something you need to figure out on your own. Most therapists outline their scope of practice in their bios, and you can reach out if you are unsure. This is not meant to limit you; it is simply a way to ensure you are with a therapist equipped to meet your needs.

Questions to Consider in Your Search:

To make the search more manageable, consider asking yourself these key questions:

  • Have I experienced therapy before, and was there something specific that helped or did not help? For example, if your last therapist used CBT and it did not resonate, you might look for therapists trained in other approaches.
  • What are my goals for therapy? Most therapists highlight the types of support they provide and the issues they commonly address in their bios.
  • Do I prefer in-person or online sessions?
  • Is there a particular time of day that I need to make therapy work for me?
  • Did anyone in my existing health care team (i.e., doctor, psychiatrist…) make any specific recommendations about what kind of therapy I should look for?

Helpful Resources to Support Your Search:

  1. Read Therapist’s Profiles: Take your time reading therapist bios before making a choice. These are designed to help you make informed decisions and often outline the therapist’s scope of practice.
  2. Reach Out for Clarification: If you are uncertain about a therapist’s focus or approach, feel free to call or email the practice. Therapists and client care teams are here to help you find the right match and are always happy to clarify any questions.
  3. Consultations: therapists may offer a brief consult call or 30-minute shorter sessions to help you get a feel for the connection before fully diving in. Use these opportunities to see if the therapist feels like a good fit for you.

Remember: Finding the Right Therapist Takes Time—and That is Okay

Finding the right therapist is a valuable step in the therapy process. Sometimes it takes meeting with more than one therapist to find the one who feels right for you, and that is a completely normal part of the journey. It is worth taking the time to find someone who truly aligns with you and your needs, and it does not mean there is anything “wrong” with you if it may take more than one tries. Therapy is a personal journey, and each step, including finding your therapist, is an investment in yourself.

Therapy is not about fitting into a mold or forcing a connection. It is about finding someone who can support you in the way you need. As you begin your search, take a deep breath and trust that there is a therapist out there who is the right fit for you—and the journey to find them is all part of the process.

Nicole Walker, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) #15989 is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at MyLife Counselling in Guelph. She works with adults and children through anxiety, grief and loss, adolescent issues, self-esteem, family & relationships, school issues, spiritual struggles. Learn more about Nicole here.

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