Is Your Therapist Right for You?
Taking a first step into the world of therapy can be really daunting for most people.
Who to pick?
Will it help?
Will they judge me?
Is my problem big enough?
What will happen in the session?
These are just some of the questions people ask themselves when booking their first counselling session. It can be really difficult to take that first step. Even just working out where to start looking for the right therapist can feel overwhelming.
Therapy, in whatever form, can be a wonderful tool that improves life in many ways. But when choosing a therapist, there are a few things that really matter and they’re not always what people expect.
What Qualifications Should a Therapist Have?
People often ask if they should see a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, or Counsellor. This is important, and a good place to start.
Psychiatrist – A medical doctor who has extra qualifications in mental health and specialises in diagnosing and treating mental illness. They can prescribe medication and are usually best suited for serious mental health conditions, diagnosis or getting the medications correct.
Psychologist – has a degree and works with mental health problems and human behaviour. They can diagnose, use talk therapy, provide testing for various issues and help treat behavioural problems. Psychologists don’t prescribe medication but can diagnose mental illness.
Counsellor – A Counsellor typically holds a diploma or degree in counselling. They are trained to help people navigate life’s challenges, support relationships (if they choose to train in relationships), and build emotional wellbeing. They don’t diagnose but can work alongside a GP or other mental health professionals.
There’s often overlap between these roles, which adds to the confusion. If you have a GP you trust, that’s a good place to start. Just keep in mind that Mental Health Care Plans are only available for psychologists and psychiatrists, so GPs don’t often refer to counsellors even if counselling may be the best fit.
If your GP recommends a psychiatrist, that’s usually where to begin. If they suggest a psychologist, both a psychologist or an experienced counsellor in your area (like in the Hills District) may be suitable as long as they are experienced in what you need.
For example, many psychologists are not trained in relationship therapy, while some counsellors specialise in it.
So yes — qualifications matter. But…
The Therapist Themselves Matters More
The most important factor? You need to like your therapist.
That first session is for you to decide if they’re the right fit. Yes you’re paying for a service, and that session is also about whether the connection feels right.
A therapist’s training and experience are crucial but it’s their ability to connect with you as a person that will make or break your experience.
It’s just like school. A highly qualified teacher may have the best credentials, but if they don’t connect with their students, the experience falls flat. A different teacher with the same qualifications but with warmth, empathy, and a better understanding of the student can change everything.
It’s the same with therapy.
What If It Doesn’t Feel Right?
If your first session feels off, that’s okay. Don’t force it. You deserve a therapist who makes you feel safe, understood, and respected.
Yes, it can be frustrating to repeat your story but finding the right therapist is worth it.
Years ago, I sought therapy myself. I saw a highly qualified therapist, a psychologist woth numerous credentials. It was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had. I felt unseen and uncomfortable. It turned me off therapy completely for a very long time. He was a super smart man, achieved very good grades, but he couldn’t connect well with people. It was a very confronting experience.
Later, I reluctantly visited a counsellor recommended by a friend. She wasn’t as “qualified” on paper, but she saw me. She connected with me. She made me feel safe. That was the beginning of real change in my life.
It shaped how I work today at Affinity Counselling in Baulkham Hills. I do what I would have wanted as a client to feel heard and supported by someone real.
I’m not the right fit for everyone and that’s okay. I even talk to clients about this in the first session. I encourage clients to tune in and notice how they feel. Do you connect with me? Do you feel safe and understood? If not, keep looking! You deserve the best experience for your mental health. Follow your gut feel.
You are the expert in you. Trust your instincts.
As always, here if you need.
Professional Counsellor – Hills District