So guys, how do you choose the right therapist? Here are some ideas.

The decision to start therapy comes with another question: How does a guy choose the right therapist?

This article is a practical guide for men on how to make a smart, intentional, choice when it comes to who to work with, whatever your issues or goals are. You'll hopefully get along, build trust, and see them for a while, so the choice is an important one. As a psychotherapist, and founder of Guys Resolve, I’ve worked with men of different ages, backgrounds, and who are dealng with a variety of issues. Here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Rapport is number one

Therapy is very often about solving real-world challenges—performance anxiety, stress, anger, relationships, or feeling stuck at work or in life, getting over a breakup, finding meaning or purpose, all kinds of things.

Many male clients find it easier to open up when they know their therapist:

Specializes in working with men.
Has real-world experience that they can relate to.
Speaks their language - usually clear, direct, and strategic.

🧠 Pro Tip: If this might be relavant to you , ask therapists if they work with high-functioning men or those in leadership roles. The challenges are different, and so is the approach. It's important to know what motivates you before making any changes, because you may want to keep your drive and motivation as you work on other areas.

2. Fit Matters More Than Credentials (To a Point)

Yes, your therapist should be trained, licensed, and qualified. But beyond the basics, the most important factor is fit—how you feel in conversation with them.

Therapy is a relationship, like a good friendship, only different. Studies consistently show that the therapeutic alliance, the connection and trust between client and therapist, is the best predictor of success.

📞 Test It Out: Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation. Use this to ask:

What’s your style?
How do you approach problem-solving?
What’s your experience with men like me?

Tell them what you want to work on, and ask how they would approach it. Do they give you one option, or tell you about a few ways you could approach it depending on what works best for you?

Notice how you feel during the convesation. If you're not comfortable, try to note whether its because of the therapist, or just the situation.

3. Decide What Type of Help You Want

Some guys want coping strategies. Others want to process trauma or change patterns. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here's a rough guide:

You want to…	Look for…
Get actionable tools quickly	CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Improve your relationship	Couples counselling or Gottman Method
Understand past experiences	Psychodynamic therapy, Psychoanalysis
Manage intense emotions	Anger management or trauma-informed care
Finding meaning and purpose	Core values and character strengths work

4. Don't Wait for a Crisis

Too often, men wait until burnout, a breakup, or a breakdown to reach out. But you don't need to wait until things are unbearable, think of it more as coaching or performance optimization for life.

In fact, many of our clients are already successful professionals. What they want is clarity, confidence, and control over areas of life that they believe could be better.

📈 Think of therapy as:

A mental health investment.
A leadership accelerator.
A tool to improve every other area of your life.

🧠 Pro Tip: Invest in improving your communication skills - your personal and professional relationships and successes can really improve when communication improves. Ask the therapist what they do to work on communication skills.

5. Know What You’re Paying For

Most therapists in Canada charge $130–$200 per session. It can add up, but there are ways to make if more affordable.

💡 Ask the therapist:

If their services might be covered by insurance.
Sliding scale options.
Specializations relevant to your needs (e.g. performance, sexual health, trauma, parenting, divorce, etc.)
Payment plans.
If there are any student therapists at the practice who offer discounted rates or even free sessions.

At Guys Resolve, we offer multiple therapists at different session rates, low cost or free sessions with Masters Degree level practicum students, and interest free payment plans. We aim to make therapy as affordable and accessble as possible.

Final Thoughts: The Right Therapist Makes All the Difference

Choosing a therapist isn’t about finding the perfect person. It’s about finding the right partner to help you move forward. This can be someone who challenges you, supports you, and helps you become more like the man you want to be.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, let this article be the sign you needed.

And if you know a man who’s been struggling, share this with him. It could change everything.