How to Know If You've Found a Good Therapist

Starting therapy is a big step toward improving your mental health. But once you begin, you might wonder if your therapist is the right fit for you. While therapy can sometimes feel challenging because you are talking about difficult topics, there are signs that help you know if you have a good therapist.

Good Therapists Listen and Make You Feel Heard

A good therapist gives you their full attention. They do not interrupt or rush you. They remember important details from previous sessions and refer back to them. You should feel that your therapist values your perspective, even if they do not always agree with you.

They Create a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space

Therapy works best when you can be honest without fear of criticism. A good therapist respects your experiences and feelings, even if they are different from their own. You should not feel shamed, pressured, or belittled during sessions.

They Challenge You in Healthy Ways

While therapy should feel safe, it should also help you grow. A good therapist will gently challenge unhelpful patterns or beliefs and encourage you to see situations from different angles. They will do this with kindness and respect, not in a way that makes you feel attacked.

They Are Clear About Boundaries

Professional boundaries are an important part of the therapeutic relationship. A good therapist is clear about their role, keeps sessions focused on your needs, and avoids sharing too much about their own life unless it directly supports your work in therapy.

They Are Competent and Keep Learning

A good therapist has training in evidence-based approaches that are suited to your needs. They keep up with professional development, seek supervision when needed, and stay informed about new research and best practices.

You See Progress Over Time

Therapy is not an instant fix, but you should notice some changes over time. You might feel more confident, have better coping skills, or notice that your relationships are improving. Even small changes are signs that the work is helping.

You Feel Comfortable Giving Feedback

You should feel safe telling your therapist if something is not working for you. A good therapist welcomes feedback and adjusts their approach if needed. If you feel that your therapist is defensive or dismissive when you speak up, this is a warning sign.

When It Might Be Time to Find a New Therapist

Sometimes the relationship is not a good match, and that is okay. Consider looking for a new therapist if you feel judged, unheard, or unsafe, or if your therapist consistently talks more about themselves than about your goals. It is also a concern if they make promises that sound unrealistic or if you leave every session feeling worse without any sense of progress.

When It Might Be Time to Find a New Therapist

Not every therapist-client relationship is the right fit. Just like in any other relationship, sometimes personalities, communication styles, or expectations do not match. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe, respected, and supported, so it is important to notice when this is not happening.

You may want to consider finding a new therapist if:

• You feel judged or shamed instead of supported

• They consistently interrupt or talk over you

• They give advice without listening to the full story

• They make the sessions about themselves instead of focusing on your needs

• They dismiss or minimize your feelings instead of exploring them with you

• They make promises of quick fixes or guarantees that sound unrealistic

• You feel unsafe emotionally or physically in their presence

• They ignore your feedback or react defensively when you express concerns

• They frequently miss, cancel, or reschedule sessions without a clear reason

• You leave sessions feeling consistently worse without any sense of insight or direction

It is also worth re-evaluating the relationship if you feel that you have stopped making progress over a long period of time. Therapy can be challenging, but you should still feel that you are moving forward, even in small ways.

Ending therapy with one therapist does not mean therapy has failed. It means you are prioritizing your needs and looking for a better fit. The right therapist will help you feel empowered, not trapped.

Therapy at Authentic Living London

At Authentic Living London, we believe the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in helping you heal and grow. Our therapists create an environment where you feel supported, respected, and understood. We listen deeply, help you build practical skills, and walk alongside you as you work toward your goals.

We also recognize that research clearly shows that the relationship between the therapist and client is the most important factor for seeing positive outcomes in therapy. It's important that you feel safe and connected. This is why we offer free 15 minute phone/video consultations: so that you can see if the therapist feels like a good fit. We also gladly welcome feedback.

If you are ready to experience therapy that is grounded in compassion and professional skill, we invite you to book a session with our team today.