7 Questions to Find the Best Therapist in Singapore

What Makes a Good Therapist in Singapore? 7 Questions to Ask Yourself

Last Updated on May 30, 2025 by Manassa Shrikanth

Reviewed by April Justice, LICSW

A person thinking - searching for the best therapist in Singapore.

You’ve taken that first brave step – you’ve reached out for help and started seeing a therapist in Singapore!

But as you navigate this new world of therapy, you may wonder how to know if your therapist is the right fit. We’re here to tell you that it’s a very valid question to have, especially in the early stages of therapy.

You’ve probably already checked your therapist’s qualifications, experience and focus areas. However, the truth is, that a good therapeutic relationship goes far beyond qualifications and experience – it has a lot more to do with how you feel during sessions.

Here are seven questions to gauge what makes a good therapist in Singapore. Read along and gently check in with yourself to understand if your therapist checks the boxes.

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How to Know If a Therapist Is a Good Fit: 7 Vital Questions

Choosing the right therapist in Singapore isn’t always about checking credentials or looking for specialisations — it’s also about connection, trust, comfort, and feeling like you’re genuinely supported.

If you’re wondering ‘how to know if a therapist is a good fit’, here are seven questions to help you with just that:

1) Do I Feel Emotionally Safe and Comfortable Around Them? Do I Trust Them?

Therapy works best when you feel safe enough to open up to your therapist, without holding back or second-guessing your emotions.

Ask yourself: Do I feel calm, safe and comfortable in their presence? Can I speak honestly without fear?

Research indicates that trust between clients and therapists is associated with greater symptom improvement later in therapy.

However, it’s important to remember that trust won’t be instant, and that’s absolutely okay. After all, your therapist is a stranger, and trust always takes time to build.

So, even if it feels difficult to gauge trust right off the bat, look for subtle signs like:

You feel a slight sense of relief or lightness after talking to them.
You don’t feel pressured to share more than you’re ready for.
You notice yourself being a little more open each time.
You’re not walking on eggshells – you feel like you can be real.

A good therapist in Singapore will strive to create a therapeutic environment where emotional safety and trust can slowly and steadily grow.

2) Do They Really Listen – and Make Me Feel Seen, Heard, and Validated?

It’s one thing for someone to just hear your words – it’s another to feel truly understood. A professional therapist in Singapore won’t just nod along; they’ll listen actively, tuning in to what you’re saying and what you’re feeling beneath the surface.

Pay attention to how your therapist responds when you share something:

Do they inquire and ask questions that add to your line of thought and not take you away from it?
Do their responses make you feel heard and validated?
Do they remember and connect back to things you’ve shared previously?
Do their responses feel empathetic and understanding?

Validation doesn’t mean your therapist agrees with everything you say. In fact, your therapist in Singapore may often gently challenge you and move you towards your goals and healthy outcomes.

3) Do I Feel Free to Be Myself Without Fear of Being Judged?

We often hear the phrase ‘Therapy is a safe space’. But what does this actually mean?

It means that therapy is a space where you don’t have to perform, filter, or put on a mask – it’s a space that allows you to just be, without judgment.

A good professional therapist in Singapore will ensure an environment where all parts of you – the messy, the confused, the unsure – feel welcome.

Ask yourself:

Can I speak openly without watching my words?
Am I afraid they’ll think less of me if I cry, vent, or get stuck?
Do I feel accepted as I am?

4) Do They Respect My Boundaries – Emotionally, Physically, and Culturally?

Feeling safe in therapy goes beyond just trust – it also means knowing your personal and cultural boundaries will be respected.

Make a note of whether your therapist in Singapore does the following:

Ask for your consent before exploring sensitive/heavy topics or asking difficult questions
Stay mindful of your reactions, body language and comfort level and check in if something seems too overwhelming
Honour your pace, comfort levels, and cultural/religious identity
Avoid making assumptions or minimising your lived experience in any way

Mutual respect and trust are often born through a collection of such small gestures over time.

5) Do They Let Me Set the Pace and Direction of Therapy?

Therapy doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all roadmap. It’s a personal and collaborative journey where you should be in the driver’s seat.

A good therapist in Singapore will always take the back seat (being a gentle guide) and let you drive while offering directions.

Ask yourself:

Do I have space to pause, process, or take breaks when needed?
Am I able to speak up when something doesn’t feel helpful?
Does my therapist regularly ask for my opinions on the direction of therapy?
Do I ever feel rushed or pushed?

Studies show that the success rate of therapy increases when the client is actively involved in the therapeutic process.

6) Do I Feel Like We’re Working Together, As a Team?

Contrary to what mass media would have us believe, therapists do not offer advice or ‘fix’ problems.

Therapy is all about collaboration. You bring your experiences, emotions, and goals while your therapist brings tools, techniques, qualifications, and professional support.

The right therapist in Singapore will approach your sessions as a collaborative space where you work together to achieve your goals.

Asking yourself the following questions can help you understand this better:

Do I feel like we’re creating progress together?
Do conversations ever feel one-sided?
Are they open to my feedback and/or actively ask for it?

Do I feel involved in my growth through therapy?

7) Do I Leave Sessions Feeling Better Than I Do Entering Them?

Not every session will end with a breakthrough. But ideally, you should leave therapy feeling lighter, clearer, or at least heard – definitely not more confused or weighed down.

Think about how you feel after sessions with your therapist in Singapore:

Do you feel more grounded or less overwhelmed?
Do you feel heard and understood, even if the session was tough?
Are you learning something new, about yourself, your patterns, and your strengths?

While therapy takes consistent effort and time, it’s also essential to check in with your gut from time to time – does it feel like it’s helping?

If you’re unsure about progress or compatibility, bring this up with your therapist. A professional therapist in Singapore will always be open to feedback and tailor the process to better suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1) How long should I give therapy before deciding if it’s working?

It’s normal to feel unsure during the first few sessions. Give yourself at least 3 to 5 sessions with your therapist in Singapore to get a better sense of their style and whether you feel safe, supported, and understood.

Building trust takes time – but you should start noticing small shifts in how you feel after sessions.

2) What if I feel uncomfortable bringing up concerns with my therapist?

Firstly, know that it’s completely understandable to feel uncomfortable! Many people worry about offending their therapist.

But a professional therapist in Singapore will always welcome feedback. If something doesn’t feel right, gently bring it up during your sessions – open communication is part of what makes therapy work.

3) Is it okay to switch therapists if I don’t feel a strong connection?

Yes, absolutely. Not every therapist might be the right fit for you, and that’s okay. Therapy is a deeply personal experience, and your comfort is always a top priority.

If you’re still unsure after a few sessions, you can consider exploring other therapists in Singapore.

4) Can I request a therapist who understands my cultural or religious background?

Yes! In Singapore’s diverse landscape, many individuals seek therapists who understand their cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds.

Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO) allows you to filter therapists by language, gender, and specialisation so you can find someone who aligns better with your lived experiences.

5) What’s the difference between not ‘clicking’ with a therapist and feeling uncomfortable because therapy is hard?

This is a great question! Therapy can sometimes feel emotionally challenging, and it can be easy to confuse that with not clicking with your therapist.

But if you consistently feel unseen, dismissed, or emotionally unsafe, that could be a sign the therapist isn’t the right fit. Reflecting on how you feel between sessions can often help provide clarity.

6) What should I look for in a first session with a new therapist in Singapore?

During your first session, your therapist in Singapore may focus on getting to know you and your goals.

Be open and note how the therapist interacts with you. Do they listen? Do they explain how therapy will work? Do you feel respected? These small cues can give you a glimpse of what working with them might feel like.

7) Can I ask my therapist questions about their approach or style?

Yes, it’s great to ask questions! Any good therapist in Singapore will be happy to explain their therapeutic approach and how they plan to support you. Questions can help you feel more informed and involved in the process.

Final Thoughts

Every person’s therapy journey is unique, but there’s one constant: the right therapist will help you feel safe, seen, and supported every step of the way.

If you’re just starting therapy, let these questions guide you gently. Remember, you don’t have to know all the answers right away – just stay curious, honest with yourself (and your therapist), and open to what feels right.

If you’re still waiting for the best therapist in Singapore to come your way, thousands of Singaporeans have found their right fit at Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO).

Explore TYHO Therapists in Singapore, and book your first session today!

Book a session with a qualified Therapist today!

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