Jun 9, 2025
Online Therapy
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Starting therapy is a big step, but starting online therapy can feel like a leap into the unknown. The freedom of choice is liberating, yet also overwhelming—there are hundreds of therapists, all with different qualifications, styles, and prices. So how do you know who’s right for you?
Whether you're new to therapy or moving from face-to-face to virtual sessions, finding a therapist who suits your needs, preferences, and personality is essential. In this article, we explore how to find the right online therapist, what signs to look for, and what red flags to avoid. We'll also show how a well-matched therapeutic relationship can make all the difference.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ONLINE THERAPIST?
A good therapist doesn’t just have the right credentials—they have the ability to build a connection with you. Online therapy adds a new layer to that: not only must they be skilled, but they also need to be comfortable and competent using digital tools.
Look for the following signs:
Professional accreditation: In the UK, therapists should be registered with a recognised body such as the BACP, UKCP, or HCPC. This ensures they meet ethical and professional standards.
Specialist experience: Does the therapist work with the issues you’re facing (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges)? Experience matters—especially online, where nuance can be harder to read.
Clear communication: Are they responsive, warm, and professional in your initial contact? Do they explain their process and answer your questions?
A comfortable presence: Even over video, a good therapist should help you feel safe, heard, and not judged. If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE COMMITTING
Before you dive into weekly sessions, consider scheduling an introductory session or call. Use this time to ask:
What is your therapeutic approach? (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, integrative)
How do you conduct online sessions—video, phone, or messaging?
What are your qualifications and experience in working online?
How do you handle privacy and confidentiality?
What happens if I need to reschedule or take a break?
Their answers should leave you feeling informed and reassured, not more confused.
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. Therapy is a relationship—and the right match is built on clarity and trust.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sadly, not all therapists are equally qualified or ethical. Watch out for these warning signs:
No accreditation or vague credentials
Promising quick fixes or guaranteed results
Blurry boundaries (e.g., overly personal or unprofessional behaviour)
Lack of clear information on fees, cancellation, or confidentiality
The Professional Standards Authority regulates registers and helps ensure that only trained and accountable professionals provide care. Use it to verify credentials.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, trust your instincts—it’s okay to step away and try someone else.
WHY MATCHING MATTERS
Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes (Horvath & Symonds, 1991). In other words, it’s less about the method, and more about the match.
That connection—feeling seen, heard, and understood—can take time, but it starts with finding someone you feel safe with.
If you find yourself dreading sessions, withholding your thoughts, or feeling more judged than supported, it might not be the right fit. And that’s okay. Therapy is deeply personal, and you deserve to feel respected and cared for.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we understand how confusing it can be to search for the right therapist. That’s why we do the groundwork for you—carefully matching each client with a professional who fits their needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, relationships, or something harder to name, we’re here to make the process easier—and human.
You don’t have to sift through endless profiles. Just take the first step. We’ll help with the rest.
Sources
Subject Areas
how to choose an online therapist UK
online therapy red flags
accredited therapist UK
virtual counselling checklist
best therapist match online
signs of a good therapist
what to ask your therapist
finding a safe therapist online
therapy matching Manchester
BACP or UKCP registered therapists
Manchester Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
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Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
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Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says About Virtual Counselling
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Manchester
Jun 9, 2025
Online Therapy
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Starting therapy is a big step, but starting online therapy can feel like a leap into the unknown. The freedom of choice is liberating, yet also overwhelming—there are hundreds of therapists, all with different qualifications, styles, and prices. So how do you know who’s right for you?
Whether you're new to therapy or moving from face-to-face to virtual sessions, finding a therapist who suits your needs, preferences, and personality is essential. In this article, we explore how to find the right online therapist, what signs to look for, and what red flags to avoid. We'll also show how a well-matched therapeutic relationship can make all the difference.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ONLINE THERAPIST?
A good therapist doesn’t just have the right credentials—they have the ability to build a connection with you. Online therapy adds a new layer to that: not only must they be skilled, but they also need to be comfortable and competent using digital tools.
Look for the following signs:
Professional accreditation: In the UK, therapists should be registered with a recognised body such as the BACP, UKCP, or HCPC. This ensures they meet ethical and professional standards.
Specialist experience: Does the therapist work with the issues you’re facing (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges)? Experience matters—especially online, where nuance can be harder to read.
Clear communication: Are they responsive, warm, and professional in your initial contact? Do they explain their process and answer your questions?
A comfortable presence: Even over video, a good therapist should help you feel safe, heard, and not judged. If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE COMMITTING
Before you dive into weekly sessions, consider scheduling an introductory session or call. Use this time to ask:
What is your therapeutic approach? (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, integrative)
How do you conduct online sessions—video, phone, or messaging?
What are your qualifications and experience in working online?
How do you handle privacy and confidentiality?
What happens if I need to reschedule or take a break?
Their answers should leave you feeling informed and reassured, not more confused.
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. Therapy is a relationship—and the right match is built on clarity and trust.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sadly, not all therapists are equally qualified or ethical. Watch out for these warning signs:
No accreditation or vague credentials
Promising quick fixes or guaranteed results
Blurry boundaries (e.g., overly personal or unprofessional behaviour)
Lack of clear information on fees, cancellation, or confidentiality
The Professional Standards Authority regulates registers and helps ensure that only trained and accountable professionals provide care. Use it to verify credentials.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, trust your instincts—it’s okay to step away and try someone else.
WHY MATCHING MATTERS
Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes (Horvath & Symonds, 1991). In other words, it’s less about the method, and more about the match.
That connection—feeling seen, heard, and understood—can take time, but it starts with finding someone you feel safe with.
If you find yourself dreading sessions, withholding your thoughts, or feeling more judged than supported, it might not be the right fit. And that’s okay. Therapy is deeply personal, and you deserve to feel respected and cared for.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we understand how confusing it can be to search for the right therapist. That’s why we do the groundwork for you—carefully matching each client with a professional who fits their needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, relationships, or something harder to name, we’re here to make the process easier—and human.
You don’t have to sift through endless profiles. Just take the first step. We’ll help with the rest.
Sources
Subject Areas
how to choose an online therapist UK
online therapy red flags
accredited therapist UK
virtual counselling checklist
best therapist match online
signs of a good therapist
what to ask your therapist
finding a safe therapist online
therapy matching Manchester
BACP or UKCP registered therapists
Manchester Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
Related Articles
Privacy and Confidentiality in Online Therapy: What You Need to Know
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
What to Expect in Your First Online Therapy Session
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Manchester Editorial Team
Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says About Virtual Counselling
Manchester Counselling Therapy Team
Categories
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Relationships
Online Therapy
Work Life Balance
Wellness
Manchester
Jun 9, 2025
Online Therapy
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Starting therapy is a big step, but starting online therapy can feel like a leap into the unknown. The freedom of choice is liberating, yet also overwhelming—there are hundreds of therapists, all with different qualifications, styles, and prices. So how do you know who’s right for you?
Whether you're new to therapy or moving from face-to-face to virtual sessions, finding a therapist who suits your needs, preferences, and personality is essential. In this article, we explore how to find the right online therapist, what signs to look for, and what red flags to avoid. We'll also show how a well-matched therapeutic relationship can make all the difference.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ONLINE THERAPIST?
A good therapist doesn’t just have the right credentials—they have the ability to build a connection with you. Online therapy adds a new layer to that: not only must they be skilled, but they also need to be comfortable and competent using digital tools.
Look for the following signs:
Professional accreditation: In the UK, therapists should be registered with a recognised body such as the BACP, UKCP, or HCPC. This ensures they meet ethical and professional standards.
Specialist experience: Does the therapist work with the issues you’re facing (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges)? Experience matters—especially online, where nuance can be harder to read.
Clear communication: Are they responsive, warm, and professional in your initial contact? Do they explain their process and answer your questions?
A comfortable presence: Even over video, a good therapist should help you feel safe, heard, and not judged. If something feels off, it’s okay to keep looking.
QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE COMMITTING
Before you dive into weekly sessions, consider scheduling an introductory session or call. Use this time to ask:
What is your therapeutic approach? (e.g., CBT, psychodynamic, integrative)
How do you conduct online sessions—video, phone, or messaging?
What are your qualifications and experience in working online?
How do you handle privacy and confidentiality?
What happens if I need to reschedule or take a break?
Their answers should leave you feeling informed and reassured, not more confused.
Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions. Therapy is a relationship—and the right match is built on clarity and trust.
RED FLAGS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sadly, not all therapists are equally qualified or ethical. Watch out for these warning signs:
No accreditation or vague credentials
Promising quick fixes or guaranteed results
Blurry boundaries (e.g., overly personal or unprofessional behaviour)
Lack of clear information on fees, cancellation, or confidentiality
The Professional Standards Authority regulates registers and helps ensure that only trained and accountable professionals provide care. Use it to verify credentials.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, trust your instincts—it’s okay to step away and try someone else.
WHY MATCHING MATTERS
Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes (Horvath & Symonds, 1991). In other words, it’s less about the method, and more about the match.
That connection—feeling seen, heard, and understood—can take time, but it starts with finding someone you feel safe with.
If you find yourself dreading sessions, withholding your thoughts, or feeling more judged than supported, it might not be the right fit. And that’s okay. Therapy is deeply personal, and you deserve to feel respected and cared for.
Takeaway Advice
At Manchester Counselling, we understand how confusing it can be to search for the right therapist. That’s why we do the groundwork for you—carefully matching each client with a professional who fits their needs, preferences, and therapeutic goals.
Whether you’re looking for help with anxiety, relationships, or something harder to name, we’re here to make the process easier—and human.
You don’t have to sift through endless profiles. Just take the first step. We’ll help with the rest.
Sources
Subject Areas
how to choose an online therapist UK
online therapy red flags
accredited therapist UK
virtual counselling checklist
best therapist match online
signs of a good therapist
what to ask your therapist
finding a safe therapist online
therapy matching Manchester
BACP or UKCP registered therapists
Manchester Editorial Team
Our editorial team writes practical mental health guidance in plain English, with care, accuracy, and a focus on what genuinely helps.
Related Articles
Privacy and Confidentiality in Online Therapy: What You Need to Know
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
What to Expect in Your First Online Therapy Session
Manchester Counselling Editorial Team
Finding the Right Online Therapist: What to Look For and What to Avoid
Manchester Editorial Team
Is Online Therapy Effective? What the Research Says About Virtual Counselling
Manchester Counselling Therapy Team
Categories
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Relationships
Online Therapy
Work Life Balance
Wellness
Manchester