What does research say about finding a good therapist?

Choosing a therapist is an important and often vulnerable step. The right therapeutic relationship can support healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of yourself; the wrong fit can leave you feeling unheard or discouraged. This page is designed to help you think about what makes a good therapist for you, and how to recognise that fit in practice — drawing on the values and approach that guide my own work as a therapist.

1. The Therapeutic Relationship Makes a Big Difference

Across many studies, the connection between you and your therapist — often called the therapeutic alliance — is one of the strongest predictors of positive therapy outcomes, no matter what specific approach is used. Research shows that when people feel understood, genuinely listened to and safe with their therapist, they’re more likely to benefit from therapy. BACP

Isolated specific techniques  tend to be ineffective, whereas focusing on relational skills like empathy, trust, and collaboration is a cornerstone of good practice. BACP

In everyday terms: it's not just what the therapist does, it’s how they do it  that matters.

2. Evidence Shows Most People Find Therapy Helpful

Recent data from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) found that over 70% of adults in the UK who’ve had therapy found it helpful, and many would recommend it to others — highlighting the real value of a supportive therapeutic relationship when the fit is right. BACP

3. Professional Accreditation and Ethical Standards Matter

In the UK therapist titles are not legally protected, which means anyone can call themselves a therapist even without training. That’s why checking professional accreditation matters.

Look for registration with a recognised UK body like:

• BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)

• UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy)
  These organisations require training, a code of ethics, ongoing professional development, and clinical supervision — all of which help protect clients and support professional standards. The British Psychotherapy Foundation

4. Ethical Practice and Professional Integrity

A good therapist works within clear ethical boundaries and is transparent about how they practise:

• Appropriate confidentiality
• Clear contracting and fees
• Willingness to refer on if they are not the right person for your needs
• Ethical practice is not cold or distant; it is part of what makes therapy feel safe and trustworthy.

What UK Experts Recommend When Choosing a Therapist

Guides from UK counselling and psychotherapy organisations advise you to:
✔️ Make sure the therapist is accredited with a recognised UK register. The British Psychotherapy Foundation
✔️ Trust your sense of comfort and safety in early conversations. Counselling Directory
✔️ Notice how they respond when you ask questions or express doubts — good therapists welcome that. Counselling Directory

In Summary 

• The therapeutic relationship — feeling heard, respected, and safe — is central to good outcomes, and research supports this across many studies. BACP

• Most people in the UK who go to therapy find it helpful — but it works best when there’s a good match between client and therapist. BACP

• Professional accreditation and ethical practice are essential safeguards. The British Psychotherapy Foundation

• Trusting your own experience and giving yourself permission to take time to choose makes your therapy journey more likely to succeed. Counselling Directory

How This Relates to My Work

I have worked as a qualified counsellor since 1995 across the NHS, voluntary and charitable sectors, and in private practice. My approach is grounded, relational, and shaped by many years of  training and professional development, personal experience and listening carefully to people’s lived experiences. My Professional accreditation is with BACP.

I aim to offer a therapeutic relationship that is thoughtful, kind, informative and collaborative — one where you do not have to perform, explain yourself endlessly, or be “fixed.” I am LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergence affirming, and I work with sensitivity to shame, trauma, loss, and long-standing emotional patterns.

If you are considering therapy, I offer a free brief introductory phone conversation to help you decide whether working together feels right.