Why you won't find reviews or testimonials on my website (and why that's a good thing)...

If you've ever searched for a therapist online, you might have noticed something strange: UKCP-registered counsellors and therapists don't display testimonials, reviews, or star ratings on their websites. If you're used to choosing everything based on online reviews, this absence might seem concerning at first. But there's a good reason for it - and it says a lot about the ethics and integrity that underpin the therapeutic relationship.

Therapy is a service unlike any other

We're all very used to checking reviews before we book a hotel, buy a product, or try a new cafe, it's practically become second nature. So, when you're looking for support with something as important as your mental health, it's understandable that you'd want to know whether others have had a positive experience.

But therapy is different. It's not a transaction, it's a deeply personal, confidential relationship, and the ethical frameworks that govern how therapists and counsellors work reflect that difference. For UKCP-registered practitioners like me, the decision not to use testimonials isn't about having something to hide. It's about protecting you, preserving the integrity of the therapeutic space, and recognising that therapy and counselling aren't things that can (or should) be rated like a product.

Confidentiality goes beyond the therapy room

Confidentiality is one of the core pillars of therapy and counselling - what you share in session stays in session, and this is a serious ethical commitment. Confidentiality doesn't only apply to what's said in session, it extends to the fact that you are having therapy or counselling to begin with.

Even if a testimonial is anonymised, there's always a risk. A turn of phrase, a specific issue mentioned, a timeline described, that can inadvertently reveal someone's identity, especially in smaller communities or among people who know the client well. The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) takes this seriously and their guidance around testimonials is clear: protecting client identity and dignity must come first, and that means being cautious about any public sharing of client experiences, even with consent.

When you come to therapy, you're trusting me with your most vulnerable thoughts and feelings. Part of that trust is knowing that your experience will never be used - however well-intentioned - to promote my practice.

Therapy thrives in neutrality, not expectation

One of the things that make therapy and counselling effective is that it's a neutral space. It's somewhere you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment, without needing to perform, and without external influence shaping what happens between you and your therapist.

Public reviews disrupt that neutrality. If you have read glowing testimonials before we've even met, you could arrive with assumptions about what therapy and counselling with me will be like, what you "should" feel, or how quickly you can expect to improve. Conversely, if you read a negative review, you might start from a place of doubt or defensiveness, which can make it harder for us to build trust.

Therapy isn't something that happens to you - it's something that happens between you and your therapist or counsellor. The relationship is co-created, shaped by both people in the room. That process works best when it's allowed to unfold organically, without the weight of others' expectations.

What works for one person might not work for another

Here's something that's true but often overlooked: a therapist or counsellor who is exceptional for one person might not be the right match for another, and that's okay. It doesn't mean the therapist is bad at their job - it means that therapy is relational, and relationships are inherently subjective.

Some clients need someone gentle and reflective. Others need someone more direct. Some people connect best with a therapist who shares certain life experiences; others prefer someone who brings a completely different perspective. The "fit" between client and therapist is one of the most important factors in whether therapy will be helpful.

A five-star review doesn't tell you whether that therapist will be right for you. It tells you that they were right for someone else, at a particular time, working on a particular issue. That's useful context, perhaps - but it's not a reliable predictor of your own experience. And in some cases, it can create a false sense of certainty that prevents people from trusting their own instincts about whether a therapist feels like a good match.

Protecting vulnerability, not exploiting it

People who seek therapy are often in a vulnerable place. They might be struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, or relationship difficulties. They're reaching out for help, often at a point where they feel uncertain or overwhelmed.

Ethical guidelines exist, in part, to protect people in that state. One concern is that public testimonials can unintentionally create pressure or comparison. If someone reads a series of reviews saying, "This therapist changed my life," or "I felt better after just three sessions," they might start to wonder why their own progress feels slower, or why they're not experiencing the same dramatic shifts. That kind of comparison can be damaging, especially for people who are already struggling with self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy.

There's also the issue of consent. Even if a client genuinely wants to leave a positive review, it's important to ask: are they in a position to give truly informed, unpressured consent? Therapy involves a power dynamic. The therapist holds a position of trust and authority in the relationship. Ethical guidelines aim to prevent any situation - however unintentional - where a vulnerable person might feel obliged to promote their therapist, whether out of gratitude, a desire to please, or a sense that it's expected.

So how do you choose a therapist?

If testimonials aren't the answer, what should you look for instead?

Start by asking about training and qualifications. UKCP registration, for example, means a therapist has completed rigorous training, adheres to a strict ethical code, and engages in ongoing professional development and supervision. That's a meaningful indicator of professionalism and competence.

Ask about their therapeutic approach. Do they work psychodynamically, integratively, humanistically, with CBT or EMDR, or something else? Understanding how they work can help you gauge whether it aligns with what you're looking for.

Most importantly, arrange an introductory session to see whether they feel like a good fit. Trust your instincts. Do you feel heard? Do you feel comfortable? Do they seem genuinely interested in understanding your experience? Those intangible qualities matter more than any star rating ever could.

The absence of testimonials is a sign of integrity

If you don't find reviews or testimonials on a therapist's website, it's not a red flag - it's a green one. It means they're prioritising your confidentiality, your autonomy, and the integrity of the therapeutic relationship over marketing convenience.

Therapy is relational, not transactional. It's about creating a space where you can explore, reflect, and grow, without the noise of external expectations, comparisons, or pressures. An absence of testimonials helps preserve that space.

So if you're choosing a therapist and you can't find any glowing five-star reviews, don't worry. It doesn't mean they're not good at what they do. It means they're committed to doing it ethically. And that's exactly the kind of therapist you want in your corner.