The Right Fit Matters: How to Find a Therapist
There are hundreds of highly skilled therapists on Psychology Today in Edmonton. It can feel overwhelming to search through that many profiles hoping one stands out.
At Kindling Psychology, we’re not only Psychologists, but we’re also people who have personally searched through directories, referrals, and endless profiles trying to find the right counsellor for ourselves. We understand how important it is to feel comfortable, connected, and genuinely understood by your therapist.
Here are a few tips to help you with your search:
Filter your search by your non-negotiables.
Identify what matters most to you when working with a therapist:
Do you have a gender or identity preference?
Do you want someone with similar or different lived experience than you?
Do you know what types of therapy you like or dislike? (CBT, ACT, Somatic, Gottman, etc.)
Do you want a therapist who practices from a faith-based lens?
What language would you like to use with your therapist?
Don’t wait too long to consider the logistics.
Sometimes a therapist can sound like a perfect fit, but the timing, cost, or availability just doesn’t work. Before getting too attached to a therapist, check things like:
current availability
session fees or sliding scale options
insurance coverage
whether they offer virtual or in-person sessions
A good therapeutic fit also has to fit realistically into your life.
Consider your experience, not just a diagnosis.
Instead of only looking for terms like “anxiety” or “trauma,” try thinking about what life actually feels like right now. Maybe it’s:
overthinking your decision making
shutting down during conflict
feeling disconnected in relationships
struggling to ask for what you need
Looking for language on a bio or website that reflects your real experience can help you find therapists who truly understand what you’re navigating.
Pay attention to the “vibe”, not just the credential.
Credentials and training can tell you what a therapist is qualified to do, but their bio, videos, and writing will often give you a sense of how they do it. As you look through websites and directories, pay attention to whether:
their language feels warm and empathetic or more clinical and distant
they appear collaborative or prescriptive
they sound like a real person, or just a list of modalities
they talk about the importance of the therapeutic relationship itself
Credentials matter, but tone often tells you more about how it might actually feel to work with someone.
Use the consult call as a two-way conversation.
A consultation call is for both you and the therapist to assess fit. This is your chance to get a feel for them. You might ask things like:
“How do you typically support people with this kind of concern?”
“What does the first session usually look like with you?”
“What do you do when a client feels stuck or unsure in therapy?”
And just as importantly, notice:
How did I feel talking with them?
Did I feel heard, rushed, comfortable, or unsure?
Do you like their energy/presence?
The strength of the therapeutic relationship is the number one predictor of success in
counselling. It’s really important for you to like your therapist.
Keep in mind that finding the right therapist might take a bit of time. It’s normal to meet with a few different therapists before it feels like the right match.
At Kindling Psychology, we understand that therapy is not one-size-fits-all.
We encourage clients to trust their instincts, ask questions, and seek a therapist who feels like the right fit. Feeling safe, understood, and connected in therapy matters. Please reach out if you have any questions about the process of finding a therapist or if you would like to learn more about the work we do.
