Does the gender of your therapist truly make a difference? 

Whether or not the gender of your therapist matters is a personal decision. Some people may feel more comfortable talking to a therapist of the same gender, while others may not have a preference. There is no right or wrong answer.

The gender of the therapist may be more important to you if you are seeking certain kinds of therapy. For example, if you are a male who has suffered violence from a female, you may feel more comfortable talking to a therapist of the same gender as you. Conversely, if you suffered sexual violence by a man, the opposite may be true.

Sometimes, a therapist of the same gender or gender preference may have a better understanding of your experiences and might be able to provide more relevant or topical support. 

The most important factor when selecting a counsellor, hypnotherapist or psychotherapist is that the client feels comfortable and safe with the therapist.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to choose a therapist of a specific gender is up to the individual patient. There is no right or wrong answer, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a therapist:

• Your comfort level. Do you feel comfortable talking to someone of another gender?
• The therapist’s experience. Does the therapist have experience working with people of your gender or with the issues you are facing?
• The therapist’s style. Do you feel like you could connect with the therapist’s style of therapy? There are so many different types of therapy, so it may take you trying out a particular style of therapist before you find one that seems comfortable for you. 

It is also important to remember that you can always switch therapists if you decide that you have chosen one who doesn’t quite relate to the issues you’d like them to deal with.  
Therapy is a personal journey, and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and who can help you reach your goals is important.

If you’d like to find a therapist, take a look at our website directory for more info Find A Therapist

Emma Evans
Director APHP & NRPC