Red Flags To Watch Out For When Choosing a Therapist
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As a UK-based counsellor accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), one of the most important messages I can share is this: be clued up before you choose a therapist. In the UK, counselling and psychotherapy are not a regulated profession, so anyone, with no qualifications what so ever, can call themselves a counsellor/ therapist/ psychotherapist. As a client, you deserve safe, professional, ethical care, and this article is designed to help you know what to look for in your therapist.
Choosing a therapist isn’t just about finding someone with a friendly website or warm smile. There are vital questions about qualifications, experience, and ethics that every client should ask. I’m passionate about helping you know your rights and spot “red flags” so you can make an informed choice and feel confident about your therapeutic journey.
1. Are They Actually Qualified and Accredited?
One of the first things to check: Is your therapist a member of a recognised professional body, like BACP, UKCP, or BABCP? Membership means they've completed a required level of training (often a minimum of diploma or degree level) and are bound by ethical guidelines. You can check BACP, UKCP, or BABCP registers online to see if someone is registered. It’s quick, easy, and worth your peace of mind.
Red flags:
The therapist cannot provide clear evidence of their qualifications or accreditation.
Resistant to questions about their training, supervision, or experience.
Claiming lots of “specialisms” but not actually being trained or experienced in them.
2. Lack of Professional Boundaries
Professional boundaries are there to keep you safe. A therapist should never:
Try to start a relationship or friendship with you outside therapy.
Share details about other clients.
Cross boundaries of touch without explicit consent.
Ask for favours, personal services, or try to “enlist” your help outside sessions.
You should always feel respected, and your privacy must be protected.
3. No Evidence of Ethics or Accountability
BACP-accredited therapists (like myself) are committed to an ethical framework that covers confidentiality, professionalism, safeguarding, and consent. You can read the BACP Ethical Framework online. If a therapist cannot clearly explain the ethics they follow, or dismisses concerns about boundaries, confidentiality, or safety, that’s a red flag. They should also easily be able to point to in the direction of their complaints procedure.
4. Poor Communication or Disrespect
In therapy, you should feel heard, understood, and respected. Watch out for therapists who:
Dismiss your feelings or minimise your experiences.
Dominate the session, talk over you, or seem bored/distracted.
Are judgemental about your life choices, culture, or beliefs.
Ignore feedback or won’t admit mistakes.
Your sessions are your space. Feeling pressured, rushed, or “just another number” is unacceptable. They also should be genuinely interested in your progress. I once had a supervisor fall asleep mid session - needless to say it was time to break up after that.
5. Lack of Transparency Around Therapy Approach
A therapist should be able to explain their approach, limits of confidentiality, length of sessions, fees, and cancellation policies upfront and in written form. If they’re vague or avoid these topics, it’s not a good sign. Professionalism should be at the heart of their service.
Therapy should feel collaborative - whether you’re exploring person-centred, integrative, CBT, or other styles. You should never be forced into a way of working that doesn’t feel right.
6. Gut Feeling: Trust Yourself
It’s normal to be nervous meeting a new therapist, but persistent discomfort, confusion, or unease is a sign to pause and reflect. Trust your instincts - if something feels “off”, there’s usually a reason. You also don't need to give a reason if you want your therapy to end. This might seem harsh, but you're paying for a service from your therapist, if you're just not feeling it anymore that's ok (just don't ghost us, we do have feelings!)
How To Check Credentials and Protect Yourself
Use official registers: BACP, UKCP, and BABCP provide free online searches.
Ask questions: Qualifications, supervision, continued professional development, and experience with your specific issues.
Get clarity: Therapy contracts, confidentiality, expected outcomes.
Take your time: A good therapist welcomes questions and is transparent.
Shop Around: Most reputable therapists will offer a free intro call for you to get a sense of them and how they work. I recommend shortlisting 2-3 people you think you might like to work with, and then decide once you've had intro calls with them all.
You Deserve Excellent Care
Working with a therapist is a significant investment of trust, time, and money. Being clued up on qualifications and professional standards helps you feel safe, supported, and respected. Don’t settle for less - ethical therapists want you to find the right person for you, even if it’s not them.
If you ever have concerns, professional bodies like BACP have complaints procedures to protect clients and uphold standards in the profession. You are entitled to safety and kindness: that should never be negotiable.
About the Author:
Karen Lafferty is a BACP Accredited counsellor, supervisor and mental health trainer. Karen has specialised in supporting client and grief practitioners since 2016, and has an online private practice working with people from across the UK. For more information you can access her website at www.continuumcounselling.com or connect with her on Instagram and Facebook @continuumcounselling
