What to Look for in a Therapist

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re not sure where to start. The good news is there’s no single “perfect” therapist, just the one that feels right for you. Taking a little time to understand what to look for can make the process feel more manageable and less stressful.

Below are a few key things that can help guide your choice.

Professional Qualifications

In Australia, it’s important to make sure your therapist is properly qualified and registered.

Look for a therapist who is registered with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). This ensures they meet national standards for training, ethics, and ongoing professional development.

Depending on their background, your therapist may hold qualifications in:

Clinical Psychology

Psychology

Counselling

Social Work

All of these professionals can provide effective mental health support, though their training and approaches may differ slightly. What matters most is that they’re appropriately qualified and registered to practise safely in Australia.

Therapeutic Fit

One of the most important and often overlooked factors is how you feel with your therapist.

A good therapeutic fit means you feel:

Comfortable being yourself

Listened to without judgement

Respected and taken seriously

Safe to talk about difficult things at your own pace

It’s completely okay if the first therapist you see doesn’t feel like the right match. Many people try a few therapists before finding someone they connect with, and that’s a normal part of the process not a failure.

Therapy works best when there’s trust, so give yourself permission to prioritise how the relationship feels.

Specialisation & Experience

Therapists often have areas they focus on more than others. Choosing someone with experience related to what you’re dealing with can be really helpful.

You might look for a therapist who specialises in:

Anxiety or panic

Depression

Trauma

Relationship or family issues

Stress and burnout

Life transitions

Cultural understanding can also matter. For some people, working with a therapist who has experience with the Jewish community and understands cultural values, family dynamics, or identity can make therapy feel more comfortable and meaningful.

If this is important to you, it’s okay to look for or ask about a therapist’s experience in this area.

A Final Thought

You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You don’t need the “right” words, a clear diagnosis, or a big reason.

The right therapist is someone who meets you where you are and helps you take things one step at a time.

If you’re unsure, starting with someone who feels approachable and supportive is often the best first step.