Not All Therapy Is Created Equal: How to Find the Best Therapist in Orlando for You
Not All Therapy Is Created Equal: How to Find the Best Therapist in Orlando for You
Written by: Lauran Hahn, LMHC
If you’ve ever searched for the best therapist in Orlando and ended up overwhelmed, you’re not alone. There are so many options out there, and trying to figure out who’s the right fit can feel exhausting, especially when you’re already carrying emotional weight.
As an Orlando Therapist, I know how hard it is to find the best fit.
Here’s what I want you to know: the best therapist isn’t the one with the fanciest credentials or the most Instagram followers. The best therapist is the one who feels right for you. Someone who understands your goals, your story, and the pace that works for your healing. If you’re ready to find that kind of support, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Know What You’re Looking For
Before diving into directories or asking for referrals, pause and get clear on what you're hoping to work on. Is it anxiety that’s running your day-to-day life? Are you struggling with relationship patterns that keep repeating? Do you feel like there’s trauma you haven’t quite unpacked?
Identifying what you’re carrying helps narrow the field. Therapists often specialize in certain areas, and when you find someone who really understands your experience, the work can go much deeper. If their website or bio speaks directly to the pain you’re in, that’s usually a good sign.
Ask yourself: What’s bringing me to therapy right now? What do I want to be different in my life?
Consider Their Therapeutic Approach
Therapists work in all kinds of ways. Some are more structured, some are more reflective. Some focus on managing symptoms, while others focus on healing the root cause.
At Mindful Living, we specialize in approaches that go beyond surface-level coping. Our therapists are trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy, and somatic techniques. These methods help clients get to the heart of what’s really going on, whether that’s unprocessed trauma, chronic anxiety, or longstanding patterns that feel hard to break.
You don’t need to know all the clinical terms, but it’s okay to ask: How do you typically work with someone like me?
Ask during a consult: What therapy approaches do you use often, and how might they help me?
Do Not Overlook Logistics
Sometimes it just comes down to practical fit. Is their office near your home or work? Do they offer virtual sessions if that’s what you need? Can you afford their rate, and do they offer options if you’re paying out of pocket?
Even the most skilled therapist isn’t the right fit if you can’t consistently show up. And for some people, a weekly session may not be enough. If your schedule is tight or you're looking for faster progress, you might want to consider a therapy intensive.
Consider: Does this location, schedule, and pricing work with my life right now?
Pay Attention to the Feel
This is a big one. When you’re in the room (or on the screen) with a therapist, how do you feel? Do you feel like you can exhale? Do you feel like they get it without you needing to over-explain?
Good therapy depends on trust and emotional safety. You should feel seen, not judged. Respected, not analyzed. A strong therapeutic connection often starts with the sense that this is a space where you can be real.
Pay attention to: Do I feel safe, respected, and comfortable being honest in this space?
Ask the Right Questions Up Front
You don’t need to be an expert in therapy to advocate for yourself. A few thoughtful questions can go a long way:
Have you worked with clients who are dealing with [insert your concern]?
What does a typical session look like with you?
How will we know if therapy is helping?
Do you offer options outside of weekly therapy?
What’s your availability like?
Their answers can give you a clear picture of whether the relationship is likely to feel collaborative and supportive.
Take with you: You’re allowed to be curious. The right therapist will welcome your questions.
Trust Your Gut
There’s no formula for this. Sometimes a therapist looks great on paper but doesn’t feel like the right fit in person. Sometimes it takes one conversation to know you're in the right place. Trust that. Your nervous system is often a better guide than your logic in these moments.
Listen to your body: Do I feel more settled or more anxious after talking with this person?
Finding the Best Therapist in Orlando
Choosing a therapist is a deeply personal decision, and what works for someone else might not be what works for you. The best therapist in Orlando is the one who makes you feel seen, safe, and supported—and who has the tools and experience to walk alongside you in the work you're ready to do.
You don’t have to settle or rush the process. Trust what feels right. Ask questions. Notice how your body responds. And remember, you're allowed to choose someone who feels like a good fit for you.
Check out our How to Find the Best Therapist in Orlando Checklist to help you!
Ready to Start With The Best Therapist in Orlando?
At Mindful Living Counseling, we specialize in helping clients move through anxiety, trauma, and life transitions with depth, care, and a clear path forward. Whether you’re seeking weekly therapy or something more focused like an intensive, we’d be honored to support you.
Fill out our New Client Consultation form here.
Once you complete the form, you’ll be invited to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our Orlando therapists.
Get ready to start healing!
Additional Orlando Therapist Resources
Orlando Therapist: 5 Things Your Therapist Wants You to Know
An Orlando Therapist Explains Why We Can't "Confirm nor Deny" - A Word About HIPAA
Orlando Therapist: What is a Superbill for Therapy?
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Orlando Therapist: Understanding Mood Swings
Other Therapy Services Offered at Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando
We provide a range of therapeutic services to meet various needs! Our offerings consist of EMDR therapy, Trauma Therapy, Therapy for Teens, Couples Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, and therapy for toxic relationships. We also offer guided meditations.
Orlando Therapist Lauran Hahn
Lauran Hahn, LMHC, owns Mindful Living Counseling in Orlando. She focuses on assisting clients in managing anxiety and trauma through her EMDR Intensives. Lauran holds certifications as a Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and an EMDR Therapist, and she is recognized as an EMDRIA Approved Consultant. She aims to help individuals attain a feeling of tranquility and enhance their relationships. In her free time, she enjoys running, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family.