Choosing the Right Therapist: Understanding Different Practitioners and What to Look For

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you need a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, you’re not alone. For many people exploring therapy for the first time, it can feel overwhelming trying to understand who does what and where to even begin. So, let’s break it down together. We've previously looked at different therapy settings and types of therapy. Now let's look at types of therapist.

Understanding the Different Types of Practitioners

Counsellors and Psychotherapists

Counsellors and psychotherapists offer talking therapy focused on your emotional wellbeing. They help you understand what you're feeling, unpick patterns in your life, and work through issues like anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and general life dissatisfaction. Their work is centred around emotional distress that might not qualify as a clinical disorder, but still deeply affects how you feel and function.

Psychologists

There are many types of psychologists; clinical, counselling, behavioural, educational. Typically, psychologists work with people experiencing more complex or severe mental health issues, such as psychosis, personality disorders, or entrenched eating disorders. Their training is scientifically based, and they often use evidence-based assessments and interventions.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in mental health. They are qualified to diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medication, and manage psychiatric treatment plans. You might be referred to a psychiatrist if your symptoms are particularly complex, or if medication may be helpful alongside therapy.

What Does a Counsellor Actually Do?

You might wonder what happens in the therapy room, especially if it looks like the therapist is simply listening. But there’s so much more going on beneath the surface.

A counsellor helps you explore your feelings, make connections between past and present, and gently reflect on patterns that might be keeping you stuck. They’re considering how your attachment style, history, and current needs shape your experience, and how they can be present in a way that promotes emotional healing.

Importantly, a counsellor won’t judge you, give you advice, or offer one-size-fits-all solutions. You’re not there to be “fixed.” Therapy is a collaborative process, one where you and your therapist work together to discover what helps you, based on your unique story and needs.

How to Choose the Right Therapist

Searching for a therapist can feel like navigating a minefield, but it doesn’t have to be. Most online directories (like the one I use) include detailed profiles to help you get a feel for each therapist’s approach.

Here’s what to look for:

• Bio or Blog Section: This often gives you a sense of who the therapist is, their values, and how they work.

• Qualifications & Experience: Check for relevant training, especially if you're looking for something specific like couples counselling, work with young people, or trauma-informed therapy.

• Professional Membership: Make sure they're registered with a recognised body (e.g. BACP).

• Areas of Work: This outlines what the therapist specialises in, look for issues that match what you’re currently dealing with.

• Therapeutic Models: You might see terms like “integrative” or “person-centred.” These describe how the therapist works and the tools they draw from.

• Session Types: Whether they offer in-person, online, or telephone sessions, and who they work with (individuals, couples, young people, etc.).

• Other Details: You’ll often see practical information like fees, availability, location (if shared), and DBS checks if they work with vulnerable groups.

You’ll also see a photo, which can help you get a sense of whether this person feels approachable or relatable to you.

What Happens Next?

Once you’ve found someone who feels like a potential fit, you can contact them to ask about availability or book an initial consultation. This first meeting is your chance to get a feel for how they work and whether you feel comfortable with them.

It’s okay to meet with a few therapists before you decide who you’d like to see longer term. The most important factor in therapy isn’t the model they use, it’s the relationship you build together. Choose someone who helps you feel seen, safe, and gently challenged in ways that support your growth.

Coming Next…

In next week’s blog, I’ll talk more about what happens in your first counselling session, what to expect, and how to get the most out of it.

Want to know more about how I work? Visit my website here

By Suzie Booth, Psychotherapist