How to choose a therapist in the UK | Your guide to finding the right fit

If you're wondering how to choose a therapist in the UK or how to find the right therapist online, this guide will help you.

Every therapist is different. What matters is finding one who feels right for you.

Heard and understood

Comfortable being honest

Respected and not judged

Safe to explore difficult topics

Heard and understood

Comfortable being honest

Respected and not judged

Safe to explore difficult topics

Know what you’re looking for (even if it’s just a feeling)

You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting online therapy. That’s part of the process. But it can help to ask yourself:

These questions are a good starting point if you're trying to figure out how to find a therapist that feels right for you.

Understand the different types of therapy

Therapy isn't one size fits all. There's cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person-centred, the list goes on! If you’ve tried CBT before and felt it didn’t work for you, there are many other therapy approaches that might fit you better.

Try CBT if you want practical tools.

You might like person-centered therapy if you're looking for space to really sit with your emotions and make sense of them.

Look for an integrative therapist if you want flexible, tailored support.

Think about what makes you feel comfortable

Many people look for therapists who share parts of their identity or have lived experience in areas that matter to them. This can help you feel more understood from the start.

This helps answer the question of how to choose a therapist that actually feels right for you.

Check qualifications and experience

Looking at a therapist’s qualifications and experience can help you understand how they work and whether they feel right for you. Most qualified therapists in the UK are registered with a professional body, which is one way to know they are legitimate.

Read therapist bios and profiles

This is where therapy meets the vibe check. Reading a therapist’s bio helps you get a feel for their personality, approach and whether they can support you. Trust the moment something feels like a good fit.

Check qualifications and experience

Romina Andrade

Psychologist / ACC /19 years of experience

My bio

Specialities and expertise

Therapy type

Read therapist bios and profiles

Photos

Try a free intro call

Here’s something important: you can try before you commit.

We offer free 15-minute intro calls with our therapists. It’s a relaxed way to get a feel for their approach and see if it’s a good fit. It’s not about “interviewing” a therapist, but about noticing:

Am I comfortable with how they work?

Can I imagine opening up more over time?

Our client's stories

Holly

emote Care client, 2025

"I never would have considered Gestalt therapy, but Karen reassured me it’s the right approach to get the support I need. Those 15 minutes made me feel much more confident about choosing my therapist."

Sarah

emote Care client, 2025

"Being neurodivergent, I wanted to work with a neurodivergent therapist, which feels rare to find. I have been having sessions with Heather since January, it makes all the difference to feel seen and heard by a therapist"

Steph

emote Care client, 2024

"Finding my therapist through emote Care was like finding someone who gets me, especially when it comes to working with my autism. I finally feel listened to."

Joe

emote Care client, 2025

"I had been having relationship issues stemming from childhood trauma. I am not there yet, but thanks to therapy on emote Care, it is helping my relationships grow and prosper. Best of all, helping me put past traumas to bed, once and for all."

Give it time (but know when It’s not working)

The first few sessions can feel a bit awkward—that’s totally normal. You’re both getting used to each other, and it can take time to build trust.

But if after a few sessions you:

It might not be the right match.

Prioritise you

Finding a therapist is an act of self-respect and self-care. It’s saying:

If therapy feels like the next step for you, you can explore therapists and see who you connect with.