Deciding to see a counsellor can feel like a big step. But once you’ve made that decision, a new question arises:

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but the truth is, finding the right counsellor is less about picking the “best” one and more about finding the best fit for you.

Here’s how to make that process easier.

Before you start searching, take a moment to think about what you need. For example:

✔️ What challenges are you facing? (Anxiety, stress, relationships, grief, self-confidence?)

✔️ What type of support are you looking for? (Practical strategies? A safe space to talk?)

✔️ Would you prefer a male or female counsellor? (Or does it not matter?)

Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your options.

In Australia, counselling is not a regulated profession – meaning anyone can call themselves a counsellor. That’s why checking qualifications is crucial.

Look for a counsellor registered with PACFA or ACA (Australia’s professional counselling bodies).

Check their website for their training, experience, and specialisations.

Some counsellors focus on specific areas like trauma, relationships, or men’s mental health – make sure their expertise matches what you need.

Pro Tip: Experience matters, but so does their approach. Look for someone who works in a way that aligns with what you’re comfortable with.

Every counsellor has a different style. Some are more structured and solution-focused, while others take a more relaxed, exploratory approach.

✔️ Do you prefer a direct, practical approach or a more reflective, in-depth process?

✔️ Would you like homework or techniques to practice between sessions?

✔️ Do you need someone who works with specific methods, like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?

A good counsellor will tailor their approach to suit you, but it helps to know what you’re comfortable with.

While counselling is deeply personal, reviews can give insight into how a counsellor works.

✔️ Check Google, their website, or directories like Psychology Today.

✔️ Look for comments about their communication style, professionalism, and effectiveness.

✔️ Keep in mind that every experience is different, so focus on overall trends rather than one-off comments.

💡 Remember: A counsellor doesn’t need 100% perfect reviews – what matters is that people describe them as compassionate, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Most counsellors offer a free 10-15 minute consultation. Use this to:

✔️ Get a feel for their communication style.

✔️ Ask how they approach the issues you want to work on.

✔️ See if you feel comfortable talking to them.

It’s okay if you don’t click with the first counsellor you speak to. Therapy works best when you feel safe, heard, and understood – so trust your gut.

Your first full session might feel awkward, particularly if it’s your first experience; that’s completely normal. Therapy is a process, and it takes time to build trust.

✔️ Try at least 3 sessions before deciding if it’s the right fit. Depending on your circumstances, you may need that time to feel comfortable opening up enough to find greater clarity in what you’d like to focus on. A therapist may also need that time to learn enough about you to maximise the effectiveness of their approach.

✔️ If you feel judged, unheard, or uncomfortable at any point, it’s worth addressing it with your therapist directly to clarify any potential misunderstanding. It’s also completely ok to look for someone else if it doesn’t feel like the right fit.

✔️ If you feel understood, supported, and challenged in a helpful way, it’s a good sign that you’ve likely found the right match.

💡 Remember: You’re not locked in. The right counsellor will want you to feel comfortable and for you to make progress that’s meaningful to you, even if that means referring you to someone else.

There’s no such thing as a “perfect” counsellor – only the right fit for you.

✅ Look for qualifications & experience.

✅ Consider their approach & style.

✅ Read reviews & book a consultation.

✅ Give it a few sessions to see how you feel.

The most important thing? Choose someone who makes you feel safe, heard, and understood. That’s when real progress happens.

If you’re looking for a counsellor in Melbourne or online, Solid Foundations Counselling provides a supportive space to explore your challenges and build a stronger foundation for your future. Book a free 15 minute conversation to see how I can help.