In today’s world, there’s an incredible and necessary emphasis on the importance of mental health. Awareness is growing, conversations are becoming more open, and more people are seeking support — and that is such a beautiful thing. However, at the same time, we’re living in the age of information overload.
Social media, podcasts, influencers, articles — everywhere you turn, someone is offering advice about healing.
For someone not connected to the field of therapy, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start and even harder to recognise what *good therapy* truly looks like.
Awareness is powerful but with the rise of mental health content online comes another truth: healing has sometimes been pulled into a capitalist framework — a narrative that says healing must be productive, measurable, perfect, and if you’re not achieving a certain outcome fast enough, then somehow you’re “failing.” This can unintentionally flatten the depth and complexity of real human experience.
But true therapy isn’t about perfection.
It’s not about productivity.
It’s about creating a safe space for you to be seen, heard, and accepted — exactly as you are.
One of the foundations of good therapy comes from Carl Rogers’ idea of **unconditional positive regard**:
• No judgment
• Genuine compassion
• Deep understanding
A good therapeutic space is confidential, grounded, and nurturing.
You should feel:
• Truly listened to
• Validated in your experience
• Respected for your autonomy
• Encouraged to explore your inner world at your own pace
Good therapy also means the therapist knows their limits. If they aren’t the right fit for your specific needs — especially when it comes to trauma — they won’t try to force it. They’ll guide you, refer you if needed, and keep your wellbeing at the centre.
**Some green flags to look for in therapy:**
• You feel emotionally safe
• You feel heard, not just talked at
• There is no pressure to perform
• The therapist works within their professional boundaries
• There’s real empathy, not just rehearsed responses
And remember — trauma is anything that overwhelmed your nervous system.
It doesn’t have to be a single “big” event. If it left a lasting imprint on how you feel, cope, and relate, then it matters.
Working with a *trauma-informed* therapist, someone who understands the nervous system is essential for deeper healing.
Above all: **trust yourself**.
Learning to trust yourself and your own inner voice can be incredibly difficulty, 'good therapy' should strengthen this process, where ultimately you learn to trust yourself more. If a space doesn’t feel right, you’re allowed to listen to that inner voice without guilt.
Healing is deeply personal.
Therapy should honour that — not rush it, not commodify it — but create the sacred conditions where growth unfolds in your time.
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