Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating—except instead of butterflies, you’re looking for a sense of safety, understanding, and personal growth. Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about healing, processing, and building a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. But how do you know if you’ve found the right fit?
At Another Chapter Counselling, we believe therapy should be a place where you feel safe, seen, and supported. Our trauma-informed counsellors offer in-person therapy in Kelowna, BC, as well as virtual counselling for residents across British Columbia. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, burnout, trauma, or self-esteem issues, our team is here to provide compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to your needs.
If you’re wondering whether your therapist is the right match, let’s dive into the signs that can help you decide.
Signs Your Therapist Is a Good Fit
You Feel Safe and Respected
Even when you’re talking about difficult emotions or past experiences, you don’t feel judged. Therapy should be a safe space—one where you can be completely yourself without fear of criticism.
They Listen Deeply and Work to Understand You
A great therapist won’t just nod and take notes. They’ll engage in meaningful conversation, ask thoughtful questions, and help you explore new perspectives. Feeling heard and understood is key to a successful therapy experience.
You Leave Sessions Feeling Something
Not every session will feel like a huge breakthrough (and that’s okay), but overall, you should sense movement—whether it’s relief, a new insight, or even some discomfort that signals growth. If you always leave feeling stuck, it might be a sign to reassess the fit.
They Challenge You (But in a Good Way!)
A great therapist doesn’t just validate you—they help you grow. They’ll challenge your thought patterns, point out blind spots, and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
You Feel Empowered, Not Dependent
Therapy should equip you with the tools to navigate life independently. A good therapist helps you build resilience, problem-solving skills, and emotional awareness so that, over time, you feel less reliant on sessions and more confident in yourself.
Signs Your Therapist Might Not Be the Right Fit
You Feel Dismissed or Unheard
If you leave sessions feeling like your therapist isn’t really listening or that your concerns are being minimized, you deserve better.
They Push Their Own Beliefs Onto You
A therapist’s role is to support your journey, not impose their personal opinions. If it feels like they’re steering the conversation toward their own views rather than helping you explore your own, it may not be the right match.
You Feel Worse Without Tools to Cope
Therapy can bring up tough emotions, but it should also provide strategies to manage them. If every session leaves you feeling overwhelmed with no direction, it’s worth reconsidering the fit.
They’re Unprofessional or Unethical
Lateness, missed appointments, confidentiality breaches, or inappropriate behavior are huge red flags. Trust your instincts.
The Connection Just Isn’t There
Sometimes, everything looks fine on paper, but something feels… off. That’s okay! Therapy works best when there’s a genuine connection, and it’s completely valid to seek someone else who aligns better with your needs.
It’s Okay to Switch Therapists—Really!
If your therapist isn’t the right fit, you’re not being difficult or ungrateful by switching. Therapy is an investment in you, and you deserve a therapist who genuinely supports your growth. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself—you are allowed to find someone else.
At Another Chapter Counselling, we make the process of finding the right therapist as smooth as possible. We offer:
In-person counselling in Kelowna, BC
Virtual therapy for residents across British Columbia
Trauma-informed, compassionate support tailored to your needs
Therapists who specialize in anxiety, burnout, trauma, self-esteem, and more
If you’re ready to find a therapist who truly sees and supports you, book a session with us or Free Consultation today... your next chapter starts here.
Paige Mathison
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