How Do You Find the Right Therapist for You? A Guide to Getting the Support You Deserve

Last week, we decided to shake things up. Finding a therapist - someone qualified, experienced, and the right fit for you - can feel like an impossible task. So, instead of waiting for people to navigate the maze of endless directories and interchangeable therapist profiles, we brought therapy directly to them. We set up a pop-up stand in a local health club, ready to chat with anyone curious about what therapy is really like. It was an experiment based on a simple idea: if finding a therapist feels too complex, maybe making ourselves visible and accessible would change that.

The response was fascinating.

We half-wondered if people would spot the word “therapy” on our banners and promptly run for the hills. Instead, engagement was almost immediate. But what surprised us most was the phrase we kept hearing from those who stopped to ask questions, take flyers, or simply say hello: “It’s a sign!”

As therapists, we couldn’t help but lean into our curiosity. What did people mean by this? The answer was strikingly consistent. Many shared how lost and overwhelmed they had felt when trying to find the right therapist. Seeing us there - real, approachable, and present - transformed therapy from an abstract idea into something tangible and accessible. Instead of feeling daunting, it felt possible.

This was both encouraging and a reminder of a deeper issue: for too many, finding therapy is harder than it should be. And yet, the right support is out there. If you’re thinking about starting therapy - whether for the first time or as a fresh start - we want to help make the process clearer, easier, and even empowering. So here are our thoughts on how to find the therapist who truly meets your needs.

1. Start With What Matters to You

Before diving into directories and websites, take a moment to reflect. What do you need from therapy? Are you looking for a space to talk through life’s challenges? Do you want to work on anxiety, relationships, or past trauma? Some therapists specialize in specific areas, so having an idea of what you’re seeking can help narrow your search. The most importantly, ask them if and how they can help you with your needs. Any therapist worth their salt should be able to give you clear answers to these questions.

2. Know Where to Look

Finding a therapist isn’t just about a Google search (although that can be a good place to start). Consider these options:

• Online directories – Websites like BACP, The Counselling Directory, and Psychology Today allow you to filter by location, approach, and issue. Be as specific as you can to help refine down your options.

• Recommendations – Word of mouth can be powerful. If you’re comfortable, ask friends, family, or even your GP for suggestions. This can be very personal work, but if someone you like connecting with has found connecting with a specific therapist helpful, there’s a chance you will too.

• Local therapy clinics – Some community-based services and therapy collectives (like Room for Therapy!) have multiple practitioners under one roof, making it easier to find a good fit. It’s worth getting in touch and asking services like this to help find the right therapist for you, based on both connection and what you might like to explore in therapy.

• Workplace or university support – Many employers and universities offer access to therapists or referrals. This can be a little prescriptive at times, but some services give you a choice about who you work with and how.

3. Check Their Credentials

Not all therapists are created equal. In the UK, reputable therapists are registered with professional bodies like the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) or UKCP (United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy). These accreditations ensure they have met ethical and professional standards. You are well within your rights to ask any therapist to share their qualifications with you – and they should be happy to do so. Working with someone who is not qualified can be dangerous, and while therapy is still not a regulated profession in the UK, this is a real risk to be considered.

4. Consider Their Approach

Therapists work in different ways. Here are a few common approaches:

• Person-Centred Therapy – You lead the way; the therapist offers warmth, empathy, and deep listening.

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Structured and solution-focused, great for anxiety and negative thought patterns.

• Psychodynamic Therapy – Explores past experiences and unconscious patterns to bring clarity to current struggles.

• Integrative Therapy – A mix of different approaches tailored to your needs. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask a therapist how they work and whether their approach might suit you.

5. Trust the Connection

Qualifications and experience matter, but the most important factor? The relationship you build with your therapist. Do you feel safe, heard, and understood? Do you feel like you could be honest with them? Therapy isn’t always comfortable, but the right therapist should make you feel supported, not judged. We recommend that when considering who to work with you “dare around” a little and meet multiple therapists. Many practitioners will offer a free intro call, so you can assess the dynamic between you without incurring a cost.

6. Ask Questions

When you reach out to a therapist, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Some helpful ones include:

• What experience do you have working with people facing similar challenges?

• How do you structure sessions, and what can I expect from the process?

• What are your fees, and do you offer sliding-scale pricing?

• How will we know if therapy is working for me?

Again, a good and experienced therapist should welcome questions like this, along with feedback and challenge. Working therapeutically is a joint endeavour and your perspective is valuable to them in ensuring they support you as best they can.

7. Consider the practicalities

It may seem obvious but it’s also important that you are comfortable with practicalities of your sessions, such as the location, cost and timings. If you end up seeing your therapist in a location that is difficult to get to, at a price that feels punishing, or at a time that means you miss out on other activities that matter to you, there’s a risk you may come to resent your therapist. This could compromise the work you do in therapy, so it’s worth considering what your limitations and requirements are when it comes to choosing your therapist.

8. Give It Time (But Also Trust Your Gut)

The first few sessions might feel a little awkward – as it takes time to build trust. But if, after a few sessions, you don’t feel a connection or the approach doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to try someone else. Therapy is an investment in you, and you deserve to feel supported in a way that truly helps.

Final Thoughts
Finding the right therapist isn’t just about availability - it’s about fit. Give yourself permission to take your time, ask questions, and explore your options. The process might feel daunting, but at the heart of it is something important: you deserve support that feels right for you.

If you’re looking for a therapist in Edinburgh, Room for Therapy offers a range of experienced practitioners with different approaches. We’d love to help you find the support you need. And if we don’t have a therapist currently available who feels like a good match, we will always try to help with recommendations and referrals so that you can find a great working dynamic for you.

Get in touch via our Contact Form or email is at contact@roomfortherapy.co.uk to start your journey today.