How to Find the Right Counsellor — and Why Qualifications Matter

If you’re wondering how to find the right counsellor for you, especially one who is qualified and BACP registered, this guide will help you choose with confidence.

In the UK, anyone can technically call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist and begin offering sessions — which can make it hard to know who to trust. That’s why professional bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) exist.

As a BACP member, I follow their Ethical Framework — which means I’ve completed accredited training, work under professional supervision, and am committed to safe, ethical and reflective practice.

Checking your counsellor is a member of a professional organisation (like the BACP, UKCP or NCS) helps ensure they:

• Have undergone appropriate training and assessment.

• Work within clear ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality.

• Commit to regular supervision and ongoing professional development.

It’s not just about ticking boxes — it’s about trust, and your wellbeing. You deserve to know you’re in safe, qualified hands.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Counsellor

There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” therapist. The relationship is unique — and finding the right fit can make all the difference.

1. Gender — does it matter to you?

Some people feel more comfortable opening up to a counsellor of a particular gender, especially when exploring sensitive or deeply personal topics. There’s no right answer here — it’s entirely about your comfort. Trust that instinct.

2. Face-to-Face or Online

In-person sessions can feel grounding — sharing a quiet space with someone, away from the noise of daily life.
Online or video sessions, on the other hand, can offer flexibility, privacy and the comfort of your own surroundings.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel more open when I’m in person or behind a screen?

• What will help me feel most at ease and consistent in attendance?

3. Specialist Support

If you’re seeking help for something specific — such as trauma, bereavement, eating disorders, or post-natal depression — you may want a counsellor with relevant training or experience.

Many counsellors list their specialisms on their website or the BACP Therapist Directory. You can always ask, “Have you worked with people experiencing [my concern] before?”

4. The Connection

Beyond qualifications and logistics, the most important factor is how you feel when you meet them.

After your first contact or session, take a quiet moment to check in with yourself:

• Did you feel heard and respected?

• Did their presence feel calm and supportive?

• Could you imagine opening up further with them?

If not, that’s okay — sometimes it takes a couple of tries to find the right fit. The counsellor–client relationship works best when there’s trust, warmth, and genuine connection and it's okay to say "Thank you for your time but I'd like to try someone different".

Why Your Choice Matters

Finding the right counsellor isn’t about finding a perfect person — it’s about finding someone who meets you where you are. Someone who offers the kind of presence that helps you feel safe enough to be honest.

Therapy can be a place to exhale — to lay things down, piece by piece, and begin to understand them. The right counsellor helps you do that, at your pace, with care.

A Little About Me

I’m a Person-Centred Counsellor in Poole, offering both online and face-to-face counselling for people experiencing things like anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties — often the tender, human places where life feels a little too heavy.

My approach is gentle and human. I believe you already hold the answers — I simply offer a safe, supportive space to help you find them. Whether we work face-to-face in Poole or online, my aim is to help you feel heard, understood, and a little lighter as you move forward.

If this feels like it could be the right time to talk, I’d love to offer you a quiet space to begin. You can reach out for an initial chat via this website — no pressure, just a chance to see how it feels. Sometimes the smallest first step can start to shift things.