how to find the right therapist for you

February 6, 2025
House of Healing
5 min read

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Mental Health Journey

So, you’ve decided it’s time to find a therapist—awesome! That’s a huge step toward personal growth and well-being. But now comes the tricky part: How do you find the right therapist for you? Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, and choosing the right professional can make all the difference in your experience and progress. Here’s what to look for in a therapist who truly meets your needs.

  1. A Good Therapist Knows How to Listen—Really Listen

Have you ever talked to someone who nods along but clearly isn’t hearing a word you’re saying? That’s not the kind of therapist you want. A great therapist listens—not just to your words, but to the emotions, patterns, and underlying issues you may not even realize you’re expressing.

They should create a safe and open space where you feel comfortable expressing yourself without fear of judgment. Research shows that feeling truly heard and supported in therapy can lead to lower stress levels and improved overall well-being (Cohen & Wills, 1985). More recent research from Frontiers in Psychology (2024) highlights that strong social support, including a trusting therapeutic relationship, can reduce perceived stress and improve mental health outcomes.

  1. They Keep the Focus on You

Therapy is your time, not theirs. A good therapist will never dominate the session with stories about their own life, opinions, or struggles. Their job is to help you explore your emotions, understand your thought patterns, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

A 2020 study found that higher levels of perceived social support correlate with lower levels of depression and greater emotional resilience. The right therapist removes themselves from the spotlight so you can focus on your growth.

  1. They Help You Set and Reach Goals

Therapy isn’t just about venting—it’s about growth. A great therapist will help you set clear, achievable goals and track your progress. Whether it’s learning to manage anxiety, improving your relationships, or breaking free from unhealthy habits, your therapist should guide you toward tangible results.

A meta-analysis by Lambert & Barley (2001) found that goal-setting in therapy leads to better treatment outcomes and an increased sense of personal control over mental health. More recently, Frontiers in Psychology (2024) noted that a structured approach to therapy, including progress tracking, helps individuals develop long-term coping mechanisms that benefit both their mental and physical health.

  1. They Stay Professional—But Also Human

A good therapist strikes the right balance between professionalism and warmth. They should be empathetic, supportive, and approachable without crossing boundaries.

Research on therapist effectiveness highlights that a balance of professional detachment and warmth fosters a deeper therapeutic connection, leading to better mental health outcomes (Horvath & Bedi, 2002). A 2024 review further emphasized that patients who feel emotionally connected to their therapist are more likely to see long-term benefits in both mental resilience and physical well-being.

  1. They Don’t Just Offer Advice—They Teach Skills

A great therapist won’t just tell you what to do—they’ll teach you how to do it. Therapy is about equipping you with the tools to handle life’s challenges on your own, not making you dependent on weekly sessions forever.

Studies show that clients who learn and apply coping strategies from therapy sessions experience long-term improvements in mental and even physical health (Cuijpers et al., 2013). Additionally, Frontiers in Psychology (2024) found that learning cognitive and emotional regulation skills in therapy can lead to significant reductions in stress-related physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

  1. They Can Manage Their Own Life Well

Therapists are human, but they should also model emotional intelligence, stability, and self-awareness. If they seem distracted, overwhelmed, or bring their own issues into your session, that’s a problem.

A great therapist practices what they preach. They set healthy boundaries, engage in self-care, and manage their emotions well. You deserve someone who can guide you without projecting their own struggles onto your experience.

  1. You Feel Safe, Understood, and Respected

You should never feel judged, dismissed, or misunderstood in therapy. A great therapist respects your values, listens without bias, and helps you navigate your challenges without imposing their own beliefs.

Studies show that strong therapeutic relationships—where the client feels respected and supported—lead to greater improvements in both mental and physical health (Kelley et al., 2014). A 2024 article in Frontiers in Psychology discussed how social support, particularly in therapy, plays a critical role in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and even physical health conditions related to chronic stress.

  1. It’s Okay to “Shop Around” for the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist is like dating—you may need to meet a few before finding the right match. If you don’t click with the first therapist you try, don’t be discouraged. It’s completely okay to switch and find someone who makes you feel comfortable and supported.

Some ways to explore your options:

  • Read client reviews or testimonials.
  • Schedule a consultation to ask about their approach and philosophy.
  • Trust your gut—if something feels off, keep searching.

Final Thoughts: Your Mental Health Requires the Best

Finding the right therapist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your mental well-being. A great therapist listens, teaches, stays professional, and helps you grow—all while keeping the focus entirely on you.

Recent studies have repeatedly shown that feeling supported—whether in therapy, friendships, or personal relationships—leads to better mental and physical health outcomes (Uchino, 2006; Frontiers in Psychology, 2024). Therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about creating an experience where you feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Don’t settle for a therapist who doesn’t meet your needs. The right person is out there, ready to support you in becoming the best version of yourself. So take that first step—you need it.

At House of Healing Oregon you will find therapists who have been trained to meet each of these qualifications. Reach out today to schedule!

References

  • Frontiers in Psychology, 2024. “The Impact of Social Support on Mental and Physical Health.”
  • Cuijpers, P., van Straten, A., Andersson, G., & van Oppen, P. (2013). Psychotherapy for depression in adults: A meta-analysis of comparative outcome studies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 81(4), 581-592.
  • Horvath, A. O., & Bedi, R. P. (2002). The alliance in individual psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 38(4), 365-372.
  • Kelley, J. M., Kraft-Todd, G., Schapira, L., Kossowsky, J., & Riess, H. (2014). The influence of the patient-clinician relationship on healthcare outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One, 9(4), e94207.
  • Uchino, B. N. (2006). Social support and health: A review of physiological processes potentially underlying links to disease outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(4), 377-387.

 

Bianca

Business Operations Coordinator

As the Executive Assistant at House of Healing, my goal is to ensure the office is running smoothly and efficiently. I provide administrative support to the leadership team, manage scheduling and communications, coordinate office operations, and assist with special projects to enhance the client and staff experience.

I’m excited to use my marketing skills to help spread the word about House of Healing and its mission, ensuring more people in the community can access the care and support they need. With a keen eye for detail and strong organizational skills, I help keep everything on track so our therapists can focus on providing exceptional care.

I’m originally from Medford, Oregon, and earned my degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University. I then spent four years in Austin, Texas, working for an event company, where I developed skills in coordination, communication, and client support. Recently, I moved back to Oregon to be closer to friends and family, and I’m excited to serve the community I know and care for.

Outside of work, I love to travel—especially throughout the Mediterranean—where I enjoy exploring new cultures and cuisines. I’m thrilled to be part of the House of Healing team and look forward to making a meaningful impact!

 

Jasmine

Professional Counselor Associate

Jasmine “Jaz” is a Professional Counselor Associate and Qualified Mental Health Professional–Certified who brings warmth, curiosity, and authenticity into the therapeutic space. Originally beginning her career as a fitness coach in 2015, Jaz discovered her deeper passion for helping others reach their goals through a person-centered, relational approach. This passion led her to pursue a Professional Doctorate in Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She is currently working toward licensure in the state of Oregon and holds her QMHP-C through the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon.

Jaz believes that clients are the experts in their own lived experience and that within each person exists the capacity for growth, healing, and self-actualization. Her work is grounded in person-centered, psychodynamic, and emotionally focused approaches, with skill-based support drawn from cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies when helpful.She strives to create trauma-informed, reflective, creative, and sometimes humorous spaces where clients feel safe to explore their inner world, deepen emotional awareness, and develop tools that align with their personal goals. Jaz hopes clients leave sessions feeling more curious about themselves, more connected to their emotions, and more confident in their ability to move forward.

Throughout her training and professional work, Jaz has supported clients across a wide range of settings, including medical clinics, community mental health services, sexual violence clinics, and nonprofit organizations. She is deeply motivated by the shared journey of growth that therapy offers—both for clients and for herself. Jaz finds meaning in witnessing the moments when clients recognize their own progress and proudly share the changes they’ve created through their work together.

Outside of the counseling room, Jaz enjoys hiking, lifting weights at the gym, spending time with her cats, and playing video games. She loves starting her mornings with early-2000s music on a spin bike and winding down by diving into immersive story-driven games. These interests reflect her belief in balance, play, and self-care—values she also encourages clients to explore and integrate into their own lives.

Emily

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about creating a genuine, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel deeply seen, heard, and valued. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Southern Oregon University and her Master of Social Work from Pacific University. Emily believes healing happens through relationship and strives to make therapy a place where clients feel safe to show up authentically, reconnect with their strengths, and build confidence in their ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Emily works with teens, adults, and older adults, supporting clients through anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, borderline personality traits, suicidal ideation, self-esteem concerns, peer and relational challenges, spirituality, and major life transitions. She is especially motivated by walking alongside clients as they begin to notice both the small and meaningful shifts that often go unseen. Emily honors the unique season each client is in while helping them develop coping skills, gain insight into patterns, heal from past experiences, and build a more compassionate and trusting relationship with themselves.

Her therapeutic approach is mindfulness-based and strengths-focused, helping clients cultivate awareness, resilience, and sustainable growth that aligns with who they truly are. Emily is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities and offers both in-person and telehealth sessions.

Outside of the therapy room, Emily enjoys traveling, reading, exploring national parks, and spending intentional time with loved ones. These experiences help her stay grounded and present, reinforcing the values of balance, curiosity, and connection that she brings into her work with clients. Emily considers it a privilege to witness clients grow into more genuine, confident versions of themselves and does not take that responsibility lightly.

 

Mallori

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Mallori is a passionate Marriage and Family Therapy Intern dedicated to helping individuals, couples, teens, and families navigate life’s challenges and rediscover connection, healing, and purpose. Guided by a deep belief in each person’s inner strength, she supports clients with compassion and clarity, empowering them to embrace growth and step into more fulfilling lives.

She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Touro University Worldwide and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oregon State University. 

Mallori’s clinical training draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Family Systems theory, and she practices through a trauma-informed, strengths-based lens. 

Whether addressing anxiety, depression, or relational struggles, she collaborates with clients to break unhelpful patterns and build sustainable paths to emotional wellness and meaningful change.

Prior to clinical training, Mallori worked for years as a Family Advocate—supporting families in crisis and navigating complex relational dynamics. She also taught parenting classes, which enriched her understanding of child development and parent-child attachment. These experiences continue to shape her therapeutic approach, giving her strong tools in communication, crisis response, and emotional attunement.

Mallori believes meaningful change is always possible. She creates a safe, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and equipped to reconnect with themselves and their relationships. Her work is rooted in hope, transformation, and the power of human connection.

Outside of the therapy room, Mallori enjoys the outdoors, concerts, reading, and expressing her creativity through crafting, jewelry-making, and playing the ukulele. She finds joy and grounding in time spent with loved ones and believes that healing is nurtured through both connection and expression.

At House of Healing Oregon, Mallori is honored to walk alongside individuals and families as they rise above pain, rediscover their strength, and build lives marked by resilience, purpose, and joy.

 

Tova

Clinical Supervisor

Tova serves as the Clinical Supervisor at House of Healing Oregon, bringing over 35 years of experience in social work, program leadership, and clinical supervision. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Tulane University and her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University, receiving her LCSW in 2011.

Since then, she has been dedicated to mentoring therapists toward licensure while fostering a culture of compassion, growth, and excellence within the agency.

Her clinical background spans trauma treatment, child and family therapy, and program management. She integrates Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and earth-based rituals to support deep, transformative healing—work she approaches with reverence for each client’s unique journey.

Originally from the East Coast and now a proud Oregonian of more than 25 years, Tova is deeply rooted in the Southern Oregon community. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a belief in the resilience of the human spirit.

Outside of her professional role, Tova finds joy in motherhood, dancing, singing, writing, and exploring nature. She also volunteers at an animal rescue sanctuary, drawing strength and inspiration from her spiritual life and giving back whenever she can.

Tova’s mission is to empower therapists to serve with confidence and heart, creating ripple effects of healing that extend far beyond the therapy room.

 

Leigh

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern

Leigh is a client-centered mental health counseling intern who brings a calm, nurturing presence to her work with adults, teens, and children. She draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic approaches to help clients build emotional insight, strengthen self-esteem, and foster healthier relationships.

Leigh is passionate about creating a compassionate space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported in their healing journey. When welcomed, she thoughtfully integrates spirituality into her sessions to support deeper meaning, purpose, and resilience. She believes in holistic healing that honors mind, body, heart, and spirit.

Leigh is completing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine, a CACREP-accredited program rooted in emotional and relational wellness. She is also a proud member of the American Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota.

With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, Leigh brings a deep understanding of care and compassion to her counseling work. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, and relational challenges. She has pursued advanced training in CBT for Depression, TIST, PRT, and both Child-Centered and Adlerian Play Therapy to support clients of all ages.

Outside of the therapy room, Leigh enjoys reading, singing, walking her dog, and attending church. She brings presence, warmth, and wholehearted care to her work at House of Healing Oregon—walking alongside clients as they reconnect with their voice, purpose, and hope.

Nonie Jarvie

Owner & Licensed Therapist

Nonie is a passionate advocate for personal growth and the well-being of families. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. At just 20 years old, Nonie built her first six-figure business, followed by a second at 26, a testament to her entrepreneurial drive and unwavering commitment to helping others live their fullest lives.

With a wealth of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA), Nonie has dedicated herself to being a powerful voice for vulnerable children and families. As a CASA, she advocates for children in foster care, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met during court proceedings. This role has only deepened her commitment to protecting the innocent and offering guidance to families in crisis, reinforcing her belief in the inherent worth and potential of every child.

As the 7th of 8 siblings, Nonie’s deep love for family is woven into the very fabric of her work. She founded House of Healing with a singular mission: to help heal families and bind them together. Through this platform, Nonie offers a space for healing, providing access to exceptional clinicians who guide people on their journey of restoration and growth. Her work is fueled by a profound passion for helping couples rediscover the magic of true connection—helping them overcome obstacles, rebuild trust, and reignite the love that first brought them together. Nonie believes that every relationship, no matter how strained, holds the potential for transformation when guided with care and understanding.

But it’s her love for children that is the cornerstone of her mission. Nonie is deeply moved by the purity and innate goodness of children and is committed to helping families honor and respect them for who they are at their core. She believes that every child is a unique, precious soul, deserving of love, guidance, and affirmation. Nonie’s mission is to help parents and caregivers create environments where children feel seen, valued, and safe to express their true selves. When children are raised in spaces where their dignity is honored and their potential nurtured, they are empowered to grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

Above all, Nonie’s greatest joy and privilege is being a mother. Her role as a mother shapes everything she does, infusing her leadership with compassion, patience, and a nurturing spirit. As a female entrepreneur, she leads with heart and empathy, creating a business environment that prioritizes family, growth, and well-being. When she’s not caring for her children or leading her company, you’ll find Nonie deepening her friendship with her husband, playing piano, exercising and enjoying the outdoors, hosting gatherings, finding new ways to serve her community, and always seeking to expand her knowledge to better serve others.

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