You leave a therapy session feeling unsettled. Maybe you talked about something painful. Maybe your therapist said something that felt dismissive, and you’re wondering whether to bring it up. How do you tell the difference between a difficult session, a poor fit, and behavior you should take seriously?
Therapy can bring up difficult feelings. You should still be able to ask what you’re working on, say when something feels too fast, and expect your therapist to take your concerns seriously. Here are three signs to pay attention to, plus how to check credentials or raise a concern in Malaysia.
1. They’re evasive about their qualifications
Ask for their full name, professional title and registration number. If you’re seeing a trainee, ask who supervises them and how supervision affects your privacy. A practitioner should be able to explain their role and training in plain language.
In Malaysia, the register you check depends on the person’s professional title.
- Registered counsellor (Kaunselor Berdaftar). Look up their name or KB registration number and check the status and dates of their practising certificate (Perakuan Amalan).
- Clinical psychologist. Search the Ministry of Health’s practitioner portal under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC). If you can’t find their name, ask the council to clarify their status. The Ministry announced a registration transition period through 31 December 2026.
- Psychiatrist. Search their name in the National Specialist Register and check that their listed specialty is Psychiatry.
2. They tell you what to do with your life
A therapist can offer suggestions and help you think through your options. It becomes a red flag when they insist you break up with your partner, quit your job, or forgive someone before you’re ready. You should be able to disagree, ask questions, and make your own decisions without feeling judged or pressured.
3. They’re careless with your privacy and confidentiality
You should know what stays private, who can access your records, and when your therapist may need to share information. Recording a session without your permission or telling a family member what you said without your consent or another valid reason are serious red flags. A therapist should explain the limits of confidentiality early on, including situations involving serious safety concerns or legal requirements.
You deserve to feel respected and have a say in what happens in therapy. That starts with knowing who you’re seeing, feeling free to make your own decisions, and understanding how your private information is handled.
If something feels off, you can ask questions or take some time to think before booking another session. If you feel pressured or your trust has been broken, it’s okay to look for someone else. One difficult experience with a therapist doesn’t have to be the end of getting support.
