If you’re thinking about counselling, you’re already doing something brave. It can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to wonder: “How do I know I’ve found the right person for me?”

Here are a few simple, reassuring things to consider as you search.

 Know what you’re looking for.

Before you contact anyone, it can help to pause and get clear on what support you need right now.

- Are you looking for help with anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, or something else?

- Would you prefer a structured, goal-focused approach, or something more open and exploratory?

Check qualifications and registration.

In the UK, you’ll often feel safer choosing someone who is both highly qualified and registered with a professional body such as BACP or UKCP. Registration is a helpful marker that they work to ethical standards and have received proper training.

It’s also worth checking whether they have relevant experience in the type of concerns you’re bringing.

Consider practicalities.

The practical side matters more than people think because consistency can make therapy feel easier to stick with.

- Do you want in-person sessions or online therapy?

- Does their location work for you?

- Is the cost manageable, and do they offer any reduced rates?

- Do they have appointment times that fit your life?

Trust the connection.

Therapy is more than a service you book. It’s a safe, human relationship, and that relationship should feel supportive from the start.

In your first sessions, pay attention to:

- Emotional safety: Do you feel able to share without fear of judgment?

- Attentiveness: Do they listen properly and respond thoughtfully?

- Warmth and empathy: Do you feel genuinely cared for?

- Communication style: Does the way they explain things feel clear and relatable?

You should feel like an active participant, not just someone being talked at. And if you leave sessions feeling even slightly lighter, more understood, or more hopeful, that’s a good sign.

Give yourself permission to change.

It’s understandable to want to “stick it out” and see how it goes. But your needs matter most.

If something feels off, it’s okay to explore other options. You might not feel heard, the approach might not fit, or progress might feel slow. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you.

- You’re not failing if you change.

- Your needs can evolve.

- Fit matters: sometimes it’s simply about style, personality, or approach, and that’s okay.

A gentle closing thought.

Choosing a counsellor is about finding a place where your voice matters, your feelings are taken seriously, and your growth is supported. You don’t need everything worked out before you begin. A good counsellor will meet you where you are and help you notice the small steps that add up.

If you’d like to take the next step, I offer a free 30-minute online discovery meeting, so we can talk through what you’re looking for and see if we’re a good fit. Drop me an email to get started!