Finding a Therapist: What to Look For and How to Start
Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you're not sure what to expect or who to trust with your story. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, burnout, or something you can’t quite name, finding the right therapist is an important first step in your healing journey.
At our North Sydney therapy space, we understand how personal this decision is. This guide is here to help you find a therapist who feels like the right fit—for you, your needs, and the pace you want to move at.
What to Look For in a Therapist
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. The most important factor is the relationship you build with your therapist. Feeling safe, heard, and respected matters more than how many techniques they know.
Here are a few things to consider:
Therapeutic style: Do you prefer someone warm and reflective, or more direct and structured?
Modality: Some therapists use specific approaches such as Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, or somatic therapy. Others integrate different styles depending on what you need.
Specialisation: Look for someone who has experience working with your particular concerns—whether it’s trauma, couples therapy, identity, grief, or emotional regulation.
Relational fit: Do you feel emotionally safe with them? Do they respond with curiosity, not judgment? This matters more than credentials alone.
Availability and format: Do they offer in-person or online sessions? Do their appointment times suit your schedule?
Where to Begin Your Search
You can start by asking:
Do I want to work with someone local or online?
Am I looking for short-term support or deeper, longer-term therapy?
What issues am I hoping to explore?
Once you have a sense of your needs, here are some good places to look:
Trusted directories like PACFA, Psychology Today, or Good Therapy
Recommendations from friends, doctors, or other health professionals
Therapist Instagram accounts or websites that offer a feel for their style and values
Booking a First Session
Think of the first session as a trial conversation. It’s okay to ask questions such as:
What’s your approach to therapy?
Have you worked with people navigating similar issues?
What can I expect from our sessions?
You are allowed to take your time. You are allowed to meet more than one therapist before deciding. You are not “too much” for needing support.
At Our North Sydney Therapy Space
We offer a grounded, relational, and emotionally attuned approach to therapy. Whether you are an individual or couple, our work is tailored to who you are and what you’re ready for. We see therapy not as fixing you, but as walking with you while you reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been silenced, hurt, or lost.
Ready to Begin?
If you're looking for therapy in North Sydney or online and want a space that feels personal, respectful, and real, we’d love to hear from you.
