Likes, Reviews, and Real Talk: Using Media to Choose a Therapist with Rahim Thawer

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out where to begin. In this episode of The Consumer's Guide to Mental Health, Dr. Margo Jacquot of The Juniper Center is joined by Rahim Thawer to talk about how social media and online platforms can actually help you in your search for the right therapist. From understanding reviews and recommendations to navigating therapist directories and even TikTok and Instagram, you’ll learn how to separate useful information from noise, avoid common pitfalls, and find a provider who’s the right fit for your needs. Whether you’re looking for your very first therapist or helping someone you care about start their journey, this episode will give you practical tips for using media wisely in your search for mental health care.While listening to this episode, you will learn: Ways TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms can play a role in your searchHow social media and online platforms can help you search for the right therapistTips for understanding reviews and recommendations without getting misledHow to separate useful information from noise and avoid common pitfallsBio:Rahim Thawer (he/him) is a registered social worker (OCSWSSW) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) based in Toronto. He works as an instructor, psychotherapist, consultant, public speaker, podcast host, and writer. He is the founder of Affective Consulting & Psychotherapy Services (est. 2014). His community workshops foster critical dialogue and reflection on mental health, systemic oppression, interpersonal dynamics, and innovation in queer relationships. Rahim teaches at The University of Alabama, where he is also completing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) with a specialization in organizational leadership. As a queer Muslim, his clinical and scholarly work sits at the intersection of mental health and social justice. His doctoral research explores how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, therapists-in-training, and organizational leaders. He is the co-editor of Any Other Way: How Toronto Got Queer (Coach House Books, 2016), a Toronto Book Awards finalist. He has also self-published four clinical guides on psychotherapy assessment, treatment planning, documentation, and countertransference. His latest book, The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys (New Harbinger Publications), was released in June 2025.Connect with Rahim Thawer:https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/curriculum-vitaehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rahim-thawer/https://www.instagram.com/the.politicized.practitioner/Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice.Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot:Website: thejunipercenter.comInstagram: @thejunipercenterFacebook: The Juniper Center