How to Find a Therapist (for Misfits, Rebels, and Weirdos)

Photo by Pexels from pixabay

Photo by Pexels from pixabay

How to Find a Therapist (for Misfits, Rebels, and Weirdos)

Hey, I'm Tara, individual coach & couple(s)+ therapist.

I'm definitely a weirdo, and have never traveled a conventional path-
It sucks because the world isn't designed for misfits, sometimes it's myself I'm rebelling against, and being a weirdo can be lonely.

I swear a lot, think life is too short to waste on drama & bullshit, and dream of a world where we ALL belong.

Hey, I'm Tara, individual coach & couple(s)+ therapist. I'm definitely a weirdo, and have never traveled a conventional path- It sucks because the world isn't designed for misfits, sometimes it's myself I'm rebelling against, and being a weirdo can be lonely. I swear a lot, think life is too short...

It’s hard enough being a weirdo without worrying your freaking therapist is judging you too. Read how to navigate different approaches, find the right fit in your therapist, and screen their approach so you're both a great team.

🧭 How to Use This Blog

This blog is designed a bit differently. Instead of giving you big ideas and saving the "how" for a product pitch at the end, I like to walk you through the process step-by-step—with practical tools you can actually use. Think of it like a workbook in blog form: hands-on, reflective, and designed to support real insight.

You’ll find:

💡 Reflection prompts woven throughout, which you can sit with quietly or journal through—whatever suits your style
📝 Exercises to guide you through specific steps, practices, or processes
🛠️ Tools and worksheets to help you go deeper——some are free, some are paid
📄 Reference sheets for quick, printable overviews of key ideas that go beyond what’s covered in the blog
👣 Optional next steps at the end, if you'd like to work with me directly

You can dip in or dive deep. No need to “do it right”—the way you engage is the right way for right now. My goal is to make the ideas doable—not just understandable. (And if you’re overthinking that, hi. You’re among friends.)

Table of Contents

A man and a woman in chairs facing each other

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What Types of Therapy Are There?

Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no shortage of talented, compassionate therapists out there. This isn’t about throwing shade or manipulating you into choosing me—I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay.

When searching for a therapist, you’ll encounter a wide range of approaches, skill levels, and personalities. If you’re feeling stuck, try tweaking your search terms to find someone who resonates with you.

Some alternatives to “how to find a therapist” might include:

Relationship Coaching Near Me
Marriage Counselling Newcastle
Relationship Counsellor Newcastle
Couples Counselling Hunter Valley
Relationship Psychotherapy Near Me
Relationship Therapy Newcastle

A Word About Search Results
Just because a therapist shows up on page 1 of Google doesn’t mean they’re the best match for you. Many top-ranking therapists pay for ads or have SEO-optimized websites. On the flip side, you might find someone amazing tucked away on page 10. Therapy isn’t about search engine rankings—it’s about finding the person who gets you.

Therapy Modalities You Might Encounter

Every therapist brings their own set of tools and skills to the table, often shaped by their training and personal style. Here are a few common modalities you might hear about:

Gottman Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBCT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Embodiment Practices
Imago Therapy
Narrative Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Discernment Counselling

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach is the one that works for you. Buzzwords like “evidence-based” or "proven approach" can sound reassuring, but remember: the quality of your connection with a therapist often matters more than their chosen modality.

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Spilling the Tea on Therapists in Australia

There are lots of different education backgrounds for personal therapists, and couples therapy in Australia, which share many of the same tools & techniques.

The key difference is the training of each practitioner, the school of therapy that informs their approach, and the requirements of professional bodies for registration and supervision.

In my (opinionated) opinion, qualifications are important data to inform your decision, BUT given the variation of skill even within a qualification you want to take that with a grain of salt!

Spilling the Tea on Coaches

Regulation:

In Australia, relationship coaches (or any type of coaching) do not have a regulating body, nor requirements for registration or supervision.

Certification:

Relationship coaches in Australia may be certified coaches, though this is a difficult certification to assess because it could mean anything from "did an online course one time" to "studied for years in an educational institution". Anyone could call themselves a relationship coach and begin a practice tomorrow.

Some coaches are certified with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) which has measures that are primarily time-based vs/ skills based. For example, has completed x hours of education, x hours of coaching clients, and x hours with a mentor.

I have personally chosen not to pursue that credential for a few reasons;

Firstly, The Coaching Institute where I did my initial studies, had a falling out with the ACF over their training accreditations. Their response was to make up their own "guild" and the study I had already done no longer qualified for accreditation with the ICF.
Secondly, I have known some truly terrible coaches who are ICF credentialed, and some incredibly talented coaches who were not. I don't see that pathway as being indicative of the level of someones skills.
Thirdly, time based assessment seems to be a pretty arbitrary measure of quality to me. There are some components required of assessment & feedback, but as I mentioned above, I've seen some shockers apparently get through.

Specialisation:

As an unregulated industry, it's difficult to measure a practitioners level of specialisation. Relationship Coaches in Australia may have engaged in specific education on relationships, sex, and couples therapy, or they may have only done more generic coaching studies (like life coaching, or business coaching).

This is something you should specifically ask any potential personal or couples therapist in Australia about (see the Questions to Ask below)

Spilling the Tea on Counsellors

Regulation:

In Australia, counsellors do not have a regulating body, nor minimum training or requirements for registration or supervision.

There are professional associations that require certification and ongoing training & supervision in order to maintain membership, but this is not required to practice as a counsellor. You can check whether a counsellor is a member of an organisation like this (most will display their association logo on their website).

Certification:

Counsellors in Australia may be certified, though this is a difficult certification to assess because it could mean anything from "did an online course one time" to "completed a masters degree at university". Anyone could call themselves a counsellor and begin a practice tomorrow.

Specialisation:

As an unregulated industry, it's difficult to measure a practitioners level of specialisation. Counsellors in Australia may have engaged in specific education on relationships, sex, and couples therapy, or they may have only done more generic counselling studies more appropriate for individuals.

This is something you should specifically ask any potential personal or couples therapist about (see the Questions to Ask below)

Spilling the Tea on Psychologists

Regulation:

In Australia, psychologists are required to be registered, and to have completed university studies as well as engaging in ongoing supervision. Psychologists status is reviewed every year.

There is also a code of ethics governing the behaviour of registered health professionals (including psychologists) in Australia.

Certification:

Psychologists must complete;

a minimum of a six-year accredited sequence of study that has been approved by the board
be eligible for registration. and meet the registration standards
adhere to AHPRAs code of ethics
maintain registration & requirements as per board guidelines.

You can read more detail about those things at Psychology Board Australia

Specialisation:

Although psychology is a highly regulated industry, there are strangely few requirements around specialisation for couples therapy. That is, a psychologist may have engaged in specific education on relationships, sex, and couples therapy, or they may have only done more psychology studies more appropriate for individuals.

This is something you should specifically ask any potential couples therapist about (see the Questions to Ask below)

Spilling the Tea on Psychotherapists

Regulation:

In Australia, psychotherapists do not have a regulating body, nor minimum training or requirements for registration or supervision.

There are professional associations that require certification and ongoing training & supervision in order to maintain membership, but this is not required to practice as a psychotherapist. You can check whether a psychotherapist is a member of an organisation like this (most will display their association logo on their website).

Certification:

Psychotherapists in Australia may be qualified, though this is a difficult qualification to assess because it could mean anything from "did an online course one time" to "completed a masters degree at university". Anyone could call themselves a psychotherapist and begin a practice tomorrow.

Specialisation:

As an unregulated industry, it's difficult to measure a practitioners level of specialisation. Psychotherapists may have engaged in specific education on relationships, sex, and couples therapy, or they may have only done more generic studies more appropriate for individuals.

This is something you should specifically ask any potential couples therapist about (see the Questions to Ask below)

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Image from Canva

How to Choose Your Therapist

The relationship you build with your therapist matters more than anything else—even the type of therapy they practice. Research shows that a strong therapeutic alliance is a key predictor of success. Without it? It just feels like an unrewarding grind.

This connection becomes even more important in couples therapy because there are three relationships at play:

You and your therapist
Your partner and your therapist
The two of you as a couple and your therapist

It’s crucial to find a therapist who you like, trust, and feel truly seen by. Therapy isn’t about enduring a personality mismatch—it’s about feeling safe enough to dive into the messy, real stuff and actually make progress.

When you’re looking for a therapist who gets you, take your time. Trust your gut. And remember, it’s okay to shop around until you find the right fit.

Step 1. You Should Like Your Therapist

You’re not looking for a new best friend, but you are looking for someone who feels like a good fit for you personality-wise. A therapist who gets your vibe is essential—someone you feel comfortable enough with to share the raw, unpolished version of yourself.

What to Look For Initially:

You get along with your therapist.
You’re comfortable with the way they speak and behave.
You feel like you can be yourself—no censoring or pretending.
They feel like a good match for your personality.
Your therapist supports and aligns with your goals.

In today’s world, your options for therapy aren’t limited to your local area. Virtual therapy makes it easier than ever to connect with someone who’s a great match for you, no matter where they are. Learning how to find a therapist who truly resonates with you is about more than proximity—it’s about finding a good human who gets you. Let’s make “working with good humans” a standard for all our interactions, not just therapy!

Two women facing each other in a window seat and talking. They are smiling and gesturing. One is holding a coffee.

Image from Canva

Step 2. You Should Trust Your Therapist

Trust doesn’t happen instantly—it builds over time. But here’s the thing: if you’re getting weird vibes from the start, trust your instincts. It’s perfectly valid to move on and find someone else.

When exploring how to find a therapist, pay close attention to how they interact with you:

You don’t feel pressured.
They don’t make unrealistic promises or guarantee results.
You feel heard and understood.

Relational work—whether for yourself or with a partner—can stir up all kinds of feelings, memories, and perspectives. It might challenge the way you think, how you engage with the world, or even the person you want to become. That’s big stuff. Finding a therapist you can trust to hold space for those challenges is absolutely essential.

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Image from Canva

Step 3. Your Therapist & Your Background, Identity, Lifestyle, and Beliefs

Therapy isn’t just about addressing issues in your relationships or personal life—it’s also about acknowledging the broader context of who you are. Your background, identity, lifestyle, and belief systems all shape your experiences and can have a significant impact on the therapeutic process.

When learning how to find a therapist, consider how important it is for you to work with someone who shares or deeply understands these aspects of your life.

What You Should Look For;

Do they share elements of your background, identity, lifestyle, or beliefs?
Are there specific aspects of your identity that feel important to prioritise?
Do their personal, religious, or political affiliations align with or contradict your own?
Have they worked with clients who share your background, identity, or experiences?
Even if they’re qualified to work with you, would you feel more comfortable with someone who’s more like you?

Finding someone who resonates with your lived experience or is well-educated about it can make the therapeutic process feel safer and more meaningful. If you’re looking for guidance on this, take the time to explore what matters most to you. Therapy should always feel like a space where you can be fully yourself.

Image from Canva

Step 4: Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

Here are some questions to help you figure out if a therapist is the right fit for you. Don’t feel like you have to ask them all—take time to think about what’s most important to you and focus on those.

It might feel a bit awkward to ask these upfront, but trust me, it’s way better than discovering a crucial mismatch halfway through a session (and wasting hard earned dollarydoos in the process).

Pro Tip: Asking questions isn’t about grilling your therapist; it’s about making sure they’re someone you feel comfortable with and confident in. Therapy works best when you trust the person you’re working with, so it’s worth a little awkwardness upfront to avoid bigger issues later.

Questions About Your Therapists Background

When learning how to find a therapist, whether for personal therapy or couples therapy, it’s important to understand their background, experience, and approach.

Here are some key questions to help you figure out if they’re the right fit for your needs:

Do you specialise in couples therapy, individual therapy, or both?
What is your approach to therapy?
What training and education do you have?
What therapeutic modalities do you use?
Have you had therapy yourself?
Do you have ongoing supervision and mentoring? If so, with whom?
How much experience do you have working with clients like me?
What kinds of clients or issues do you typically work with?
Are there any clients or issues you don’t work with?

Whether you’re looking for personal therapy, couples therapy, or both, these questions can help you determine if a therapist’s experience and style align with what you’re looking for.

Curious about my answers to these questions? You can find them here;

Questions About Alignment and Cultural Sensitivity

When learning how to find a therapist, understanding their values, positionality, and cultural sensitivity can be just as important as their training and experience. Here are some questions to help you assess whether their approach aligns with your needs:

Do you have personal religious, political, or other affiliations that inform your work?
What is your personal positionality?
Have you worked with clients from [insert your background, identity, lifestyle, or belief system] in the past?
What training have you completed to effectively serve people of my background, identity, lifestyle, or belief system?
What work have you done to challenge your personal biases and increase cultural sensitivity?
What are your commitments to using your business as a vehicle for social justice?

Additional questions quoted from an Instagram post by @unapologeticallysurviving

Do you understand how current events and other social influences are impacting my community?
How do you support your clients with diverse sexuality and gender identities?
Do you have mentors or consult with other professionals who look like me or have a similiar culture?
What training have you completed or work have you done to learn about my specific culture?
What are your views on social justice and it's impact on mental health?

These questions help you determine if a therapist’s values, knowledge, and approach align with your identity and needs, creating a foundation for a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship.

Questions About Your Therapist’s Program & Approach

When figuring out how to find a therapist, it’s helpful to understand their approach and what you can expect from working with them. These questions can give you clarity about how they structure their work and handle challenges:

How do you address tension or conflict if it arises between us?
How do you determine the goals for therapy?
How will we know therapy is effective?
Do you collaborate with other providers or specialists?
Do you follow a specific program, or is your approach more flexible?
What happens if we don’t get along?
How will I know our sessions are working for me?
How do you approach each session, and what does a typical session look like?

Whether you’re seeking couples therapy, personal therapy, or both, understanding your therapist’s methods helps you make an informed choice and set clear expectations. Therapy works best when you feel confident in the process and supported by the person guiding it.

Logistics Questions About Therapy

When learning how to find a therapist, it’s important to get a clear picture of the practical side of working with them. These questions can help you understand their logistics and ensure their setup works for you:

Do you have a set program or approach?
How long do you think we’ll need to work together?
Do you have a waiting list?
What is your availability like for booking ongoing sessions?
Can I reach you between sessions if needed?
How much do you charge per session?
Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale options?
Do you work face-to-face, online, or both?
Do you offer online couples therapy?

Knowing these details upfront helps you feel more prepared and ensures there are no surprises once you start working together.

Curious about my answers to these questions? You can find them here;

Step 5: Still Have Questions?

I’m so glad you’ve found your way here, especially if you’re navigating a situation that feels... complicated.

But if you’ve landed here, read through, and still feel like something’s missing, you’re probably right. Online advice can only go so far—it can’t always account for the unique nuances of YOUR circumstances.

If you'd like personalised support, I work with individuals (or partners/polycules) to help you unpack what's happening, how you're feeling, and what you're going to do. The next step (if you're keen & curious) is to book a free Meet & Greet below so we can get vibes of whether we're a good fit!

If you'd like to explore whether I'm a good fit as your sounding board & support, you can book a Meet & Greet directly into my calendar.

This saves the endless cycle of "sorry I took so long to reply to your email" and allows you to ask all the questions.

There's zero pressure to work with me, it's literally;

getting a sense of what's happening (you tell me as much or as little as you like)
explaining the logistics of the way I work
asking questions (if you have any)