A New Term, a Fresh Start

One Tip About Counselling: Find the Right Fit

If I could give one piece of advice about starting counselling, it would be this: try a few counsellors before committing to a block of sessions.

When people think about therapy, they often focus on the type of counselling—CBT, integrative, psychodynamic, person-centred, and so on. But research consistently shows that what matters most is not the approach itself, but the relationship you build with your counsellor.

Why the Relationship Matters

Studies in psychotherapy research show that the “therapeutic alliance”—the trust, rapport, and mutual understanding between counsellor and client—is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. In other words, feeling accepted, safe, and truly heard by your counsellor has more impact on change than any single technique or theory.

This relational element is what makes counselling powerful: showing up week after week (even when you don’t feel like it), being witnessed in your struggles, and knowing you are not being judged. Over time, this steady presence helps you process your feelings and explore patterns that may have been holding you back.

How to Choose the Right Counsellor

Because of this, finding the right counsellor for you is essential. It doesn’t mean your therapist has to be your friend (indeed the boundaries are extremely helpful) — but it does mean you should feel at ease, supported, and able to open up. Many counsellors offer an initial consultation, and it’s perfectly fine to try more than one before deciding who feels like the best fit.

Think of it like choosing a pair of shoes. You wouldn’t buy the first pair you tried on if they didn’t feel right—you’d try another. Counselling is the same: the right “fit” can make the whole journey feel safer, steadier, and ultimately more effective.

Where to Start Looking for a Therapist

If you’re wondering how to find a counsellor, two trusted places to begin are:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) Therapist DirectoryHere you can search for accredited counsellors by location, availability, and the type of therapy they offer. All BACP members follow a professional code of ethics, so you know they are qualified and committed to safe practice.

• Counselling DirectoryAnother useful platform where you can filter by issues you’d like support with (such as anxiety, bereavement, or relationships), as well as practical details like fees and session format (online or in-person).

Both sites allow you to read counsellor profiles, get a feel for their approach, and reach out directly. Don’t be afraid to contact more than one — it’s completely normal to “shop around” until you find someone who feels like the right fit.

A New Term, a Fresh Start

As we head into a new term, it’s often a natural moment to take stock and consider making changes. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, this could be the perfect time to take the plunge.

So... the relationship is the therapy. Don’t be afraid to meet a few counsellors before you commit — the right fit can make all the difference.

If you’d like to explore counselling with me, you can book a session here. I currently have availability for the new term and would be glad to support you in taking that first step.