So, you hate your therapist… or maybe it’s not that bad, but trying to talk to them feels sort of like wearing a pair of shoes that are just half a size too small… it’ll do but it’s not great. I bring up this topic, because one of the major predictors of therapeutic success is actually the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. If you are considering starting therapy, how do you choose someone who feels like a good fit for you?

If you’re considering starting therapy with a new therapist - take them up on their offer of a free consultation! Get to know them and see if you like the way that they talk to you and if they make you feel comfortable. Try those metaphorical shoes on! Therapy won’t always be comfortable, but we want the relationship to be a safe place to explore that discomfort. If you’ve been in therapy before and there are things that you really did (or did not) like, let your therapist know! Some therapists might like to use humour with their clients, and maybe you really like this as a way to approach hard topics, or but maybe you cringe when your therapist makes bad dad jokes in session (guilty). The ways we approach therapy are unique to each person, and we want you to know you have a say in what the work we do together looks like.

Or, maybe you’ve already got a therapist.  How do you address it when something feels off? As therapists, we are trying to understand your inner world based on the snapshots you provide us - and sometimes we put those puzzle pieces together wrong. At Viewpoint, we do check-ins after each session to see what was and was not helpful in session. These give you the opportunity to share feedback in a way that hopefully feels safe and constructive. If something isn’t working for you, or if your therapist misunderstood you - we genuinely want you to let us know right away because that’s when we can fix it together. The first time you do one of these it can feel a little uncomfortable - I often joke that it’s not my “therapist report card” (again - I like bad jokes). You are not going to offend your therapist by giving them feedback - when clients share with me on those forms, I feel privileged that you trust me enough to be honest.

A good pair of shoes supports your sole, and a good therapist supports your soul (last bad joke of the article -  I promise).

Thinking about starting therapy?

Check out our counsellors profiles here to find someone who fits you!

Samantha Rintoul
Registered Provisional Psychologist