How to Choose the Right Therapist in Salt Lake City

Choosing a therapist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your mental health and relationships. As a therapist practicing in SLC, I’ve had countless conversations with people asking what they should look for in a therapist. The truth is, they’re really asking whether I have what they need—and that’s exactly the right question to be asking.

Over my years of practice, I’ve developed very specific opinions about what makes for a successful therapeutic relationship. Here’s what I believe you should prioritize when choosing a therapist in Salt Lake City, in order of importance.

The Most Important Factor: Fit

The number one thing I look for—and what I encourage clients to prioritize—is fit. This means asking yourself some key questions:

• When you talk to the therapist on the phone for 10 or 15 minutes, does it feel like a good fit?
• Does it feel like the therapist truly listens to you?
• Is there a good vibe between the two of you?
• Do you feel comfortable and at ease?

The Evaluation Period: Your First Few Sessions

Here’s something crucial that many people don’t realize: the first, second, and even third sessions should always be a time when you, the client, are evaluating the therapist. You need to know that you’re choosing, and you need to approach this from the perspective of an informed consumer.

During these initial sessions, ask yourself:

• Do I feel comfortable with this person?
• Do I like them as a person?
• Most importantly: Do I feel like I’ll be able to be vulnerable with this therapist?

That last question is key. Therapy requires vulnerability, and if you don’t feel safe being open and honest, the therapeutic process simply won’t work.

Questions You Should Ask

At Peterson Family Therapy, I always tell people to ask questions—lots of them. I’m an open book, and any good therapist should be. Here are some important questions to consider:

• What are your theories of therapy?
• What specific approaches do you use? (For example, we specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy)
• How do you conduct therapy sessions?
• How often should we meet?
• What does treatment cost?
• What is your experience with cases like mine?

Pro tip: If you’re feeling stressed about the initial consultation (which is completely normal), write down your questions ahead of time. This ensures you won’t forget anything important during what can be an emotionally charged conversation.

Why the Therapeutic Relationship Matters

Remember, you are the consumer in this relationship. All the research consistently shows that the best therapeutic outcomes happen when there is a positive relationship between the client and the therapist. This relationship is often more predictive of success than the specific techniques used.

Experience and Training Matter Too

While fit is the most important factor, I also believe it’s crucial to work with someone who has both the right training and adequate experience.

For couples therapy specifically, I would never refer a friend, family member, or colleague to anyone who wasn’t trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is the most powerful and research-backed approach to couples therapy available today.

Experience also counts. While some young therapists are excellent, there’s real value in working with someone who has been practicing for a substantial period. They’ve seen more cases, worked through more challenges, and developed the clinical judgment that comes with years of practice.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, you want to find a therapist with whom you’re most likely to be open and vulnerable. This combination of good fit, proper training, and adequate experience creates the foundation for successful therapy.

The process of choosing a therapist is deeply personal, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions, and remember that you have every right to find someone who feels like the right match for your specific needs and situation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking for therapy in Salt Lake City and want to explore whether we might be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out. At Peterson Family Therapy, we specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals, couples, and families. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you determine if our approach aligns with what you’re looking for.

Remember: choosing the right therapist is an investment in your future wellbeing. Take the time to find someone who feels right for you.