How to Choose a Therapist: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Choosing a Therapist Based on Location Only

When selecting a therapist, many people only look at who is located close to them. While location is an important factor, choosing a therapist solely based on proximity can limit options regarding expertise. The therapists in a given area might not be able to help with specific concerns.

Online therapy options can be helpful because they allow individuals to choose from a larger geographical area and find a better fit. For those who prefer the privacy and atmosphere of an in-person office, searching for a therapist close to another frequently visited area is another option.

Is it important that a therapist is located nearby? In the grand scheme of things, it depends. Online therapy allows for finding a good therapist from a larger catchment area. Plus, sessions can be attended from the convenience of home.

Mistake #2: Not Reading the Therapist's Profile

There are many directories online to help with selecting a therapist. When searching, it is important to read each therapist profile carefully, because profiles identify who they work with and their areas of expertise. Just because a therapist's appearance or the words in their profile seem appealing does not automatically mean they will be a good fit.

Tip: As options are narrowed down, check if the therapist has a website. The "About Me" page often has more details than a profile listing, which usually has a character limit.

Mistake #3: Taking a Referral at Face Value

Many clients are referred by someone who worked with a therapist as a client or a colleague in the past. A referral is the highest compliment. A referral says that the person who knows the therapist likes them. It does not necessarily mean it would be a good fit to work together.

Tip: Look up the therapist's name online. Read their website and look into their social media presence, if they have one. Scheduling a consultation is another way to see if it is a match.

Mistake #4: Judging the Therapy Experience Based on One Interaction

A consultation appointment gives an opportunity to interact with a potential therapist. It is usually very brief and is not a therapeutic conversation, so it will not give a full sense of what working with them will be like.

Many clients describe consultation meetings as getting a gut sense that it might work well together. Try the gut-check method, and if it does not match in the meeting, pick another therapist to meet with.

Tip: Because therapy is about growing, sometimes discomfort is part of the process. When starting to work with a therapist, give it a few sessions before deciding to switch. A therapy breakthrough might be just around the corner.

Mistake #5: Selecting a Therapist for Trauma Work Who Does Not Have Trauma Expertise

This is a little tricky, because as a trauma-informed therapist, it is recognized that all therapy is trauma work in some form.

Imagine experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. While searching for a counsellor, a therapist is picked who indicates they help people feel more connected with themselves. Their profile and website do not indicate that they specialize in trauma, but the person does feel disconnected from themselves. Trauma recovery is delicate work, so it is important that the therapist is trained and skilled to help navigate the situation appropriately.

Tip: Read therapist profiles and websites carefully to make sure they indicate some form of trauma training and/or trauma expertise. This is especially important if a diagnosis has been received, or a diagnosis is suspected.

Closing Notes

Selecting a therapist is an important stage in the therapy process. People might have several therapists over their personal growth journey based on their needs at different times. This is completely normal. Knowing how to choose a therapist based on individual needs can reduce the stress of getting started.