Choosing the Right Therapist for You

What to Look For, What to Avoid, and Why Fit Matters

Finding a therapist can feel weirdly intimidating.

You finally decide you might want help, open a browser tab, and suddenly you’re staring at a wall of acronyms like LMHC, LICSW, PsyD, CBT, EMDR, and wondering if you accidentally clicked into a medical licensing exam instead of trying to improve your mental health.

And then comes the even harder question:

How do you know if a therapist is actually right for you?

That’s exactly what we’re unpacking in Episode 10 of This Way In.

In this conversation, Brittney walks us through the differences between therapy and counseling, the different kinds of therapists you might encounter, and the ways various therapy approaches are designed to help with different goals.

Because not all therapy is trying to do the same thing.

Some therapy is focused on stabilization: helping you manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and get through daily life a little more smoothly. Other approaches go deeper into trauma work, long-standing patterns, and personal growth. Neither is “better,” but understanding what you actually need can make finding the right therapist much less overwhelming.

We also talk about something people don’t discuss nearly enough: therapy fit.

A therapist can be highly educated, experienced, and technically skilled…and still not be the right therapist for you.

Therapy should feel supportive, collaborative, and grounded in trust. Your therapist should actually listen to you, validate your experience, and help create a treatment plan that reflects your goals instead of steering you toward theirs. If it feels like you’re forcing yourself into a pair of shoes that don’t fit, that matters.

And yes, we also get into some of the misconceptions people have about therapy.

Therapy is not just venting.
It’s not gossip.
And it’s definitely not hiring a paid friend.

We talk honestly about online therapy platforms, insurance headaches, finding affordable care, and what to do if you realize your current therapist just isn’t the right fit.

Most importantly, we discuss the idea that therapy isn’t about “fixing” other people.

Not your partner.
Not your parent.
Not your kid.

Therapy is ultimately about understanding yourself: your patterns, your responses, your wounds, your growth, and your healing.

Whether you’re actively searching for a therapist, thinking about trying therapy for the first time, or just curious about how this whole process works, we hope this episode helps make it all feel a little less mysterious.

In This Episode

• The difference between therapy and counseling
• What therapist credentials mean (LMHC, LICSW, PsyD, and more)
• Stabilization vs. growth-focused therapy
• Different therapy approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and Ego State work
• How to tell if a therapist is a good fit
• Red flags to watch for
• Online therapy platforms and telehealth
• What your responsibilities are as a therapy client
• When it might be time to switch therapists

Mentioned in This Episode

EMDRIA “Find a Therapist” Directory:
https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/

“How to Behave So Your kids Will Too” by Dr. Sal Severe: https://amzn.to/4cchCEM 
EMDR International Association: https://www.emdria.org/
Marsha M. Linehan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsha_M._Linehan
Leave us a voicemail at:  https://www.podpage.com/this-way-in/voicemail/ 
Amazon links could generate a small commission to the show, at no additional cost to you.

Listen Now

🎧 Episode 10: Choosing the Right Therapist for You

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who’s been thinking about starting therapy but doesn’t know where to begin.

Sometimes the hardest part is just taking the first step through the door.