A step-by-step guide to navigating the Hisparadise Therapy platform. Learn how to find coaches, book sessions, and make the most of your mental health journey.
Your Complete Guide to Using Hisparadise Therapy
Welcome to Hisparadise Therapy! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every feature of our platform, helping you make the most of your mental health journey. Whether you're a first-time user or looking to explore advanced features, this guide has everything you need.
Getting Started: Creating Your Account
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Creating your Hisparadise account is quick, easy, and free. Here's exactly what to do:
- Visit the Registration Page: Navigate to hisparadisetherapy.com/register
- Choose Your Role:
- Select "Client" if you're seeking therapy services
- Select "Coach" if you're a licensed mental health professional wanting to join our platform
- Enter Your Information:
- Email address: Used for login and important communications
- Password: Create a strong password (minimum 8 characters, including numbers and symbols)
- Name: First and last name
- Phone number: For account recovery and appointment reminders
- Location: Your city/state in Nigeria
- Verify Your Email:
- Check your inbox for verification email from Hisparadise
- Click the verification link in the email
- Your email is now verified and you can log in
- Tip: Check spam folder if you don't see the email within 5 minutes
- Complete Your Profile:
- Add an optional profile picture
- Share brief background information
- Specify therapy goals or concerns
- Set communication preferences
- Add any relevant medical history
Profile Setup Best Practices
A complete profile helps coaches understand your needs better and provide more personalized care:
- Profile Picture: While optional, adding a recent, clear photo helps coaches connect with you on a personal level. It doesn't have to be professional - just a friendly photo of yourself.
- About Me Section: Share a brief background:
- Age range (e.g., "30s," "early 20s")
- General occupation (e.g., "professional," "student," "parent")
- Life situation (e.g., "married with kids," "single professional," "recent graduate")
- Keep it brief - 2-3 sentences is perfect
- Therapy Goals: Be honest about what you hope to achieve:
- "Manage work-related anxiety"
- "Improve communication in my marriage"
- "Heal from past trauma"
- "Build self-confidence"
- "Navigate career transition"
- The more specific you are, the better matched you'll be with a coach
- Coach Preferences:
- Gender preference: Male, female, or no preference
- Language: English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, or multilingual
- Age preference: Younger coach, experienced coach, or no preference
- Cultural considerations: Religious background, cultural understanding needed
- Previous therapy experience: First time or returning to therapy
- Keep Contact Information Updated:
- Current phone number for appointment reminders
- Active email address for communications
- Update immediately if contact details change
- Emergency Contact (Optional but Recommended):
- Name and phone of trusted friend or family member
- Only contacted in case of safety concerns
- Gives both you and your coach peace of mind
Finding the Right Coach for You
Choosing the right coach is one of the most important decisions in your therapy journey. Hisparadise makes this process easy and transparent.
Browsing the Coaches Directory
Navigate to our Coaches Directory where you can explore all available coaches. Here's how to use the directory effectively:
Advanced Filtering Options:
By Specialization:
- Anxiety Disorders: GAD, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias
- Depression: Major depression, persistent depressive disorder, mood disorders
- Relationship/Couples Counseling: Marriage therapy, pre-marital counseling, dating relationships
- Trauma and PTSD: Childhood trauma, sexual assault recovery, accident trauma, grief
- Life Coaching: Personal development, goal achievement, career transitions
- Career Counseling: Job stress, career changes, workplace issues
- Family Therapy: Parent-child issues, family dynamics, blended families
- Addiction Recovery: Substance abuse, behavioral addictions
- Stress Management: Work stress, academic stress, general life stress
- Self-Esteem: Confidence building, self-worth, identity issues
By Availability:
- Available This Week: Coaches with openings in next 7 days
- Available This Month: Coaches accepting new clients this month
- Specific Dates: Search for availability on particular days
- Time Preferences: Morning, afternoon, evening, or weekend slots
By Price Range:
- Budget Friendly: ₦5,000-₦8,000 per session
- Mid-Range: ₦8,000-₦12,000 per session
- Premium: ₦12,000-₦15,000 per session
- Note: Higher prices often reflect more experience but don't always mean better fit for you
By Rating and Reviews:
- Top Rated: Coaches with 4.5+ star ratings
- Most Reviewed: Coaches with highest number of client reviews
- Recently Joined: New coaches (often have lower rates while building clientele)
By Language:
- English: Fluent English-speaking coaches
- Yoruba: Native Yoruba speakers
- Igbo: Native Igbo speakers
- Hausa: Native Hausa speakers
- Multilingual: Coaches fluent in multiple Nigerian languages
By Gender:
- Male coaches
- Female coaches
- No preference (see all)
By Experience Level:
- Newly Licensed: 0-3 years in practice
- Established: 3-10 years in practice
- Highly Experienced: 10+ years in practice
- Total Sessions: Sort by number of sessions completed on platform
Understanding Coach Profiles
Each coach profile provides comprehensive information to help you make an informed decision. Here's what to look for:
Professional Credentials Section:
- Licenses and Certifications:
- Type of license (Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, etc.)
- License number (verified by Hisparadise)
- Issuing authority
- Expiration date
- Additional certifications (CBT certified, EMDR trained, etc.)
- Education Background:
- Degrees earned (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate)
- Universities attended
- Graduation years
- Specialization areas studied
- Post-graduate training programs
- Specializations:
- Primary areas of expertise
- Specific populations served (adults, teens, couples, families)
- Issues most experienced treating
- Therapeutic modalities used
- Therapeutic Approaches:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Practical, goal-oriented, focuses on thought patterns
- Psychodynamic: Explores past experiences and unconscious patterns
- Person-Centered: Empathetic, non-directive, client-led approach
- EMDR: Specialized for trauma processing
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Skills training for emotion regulation
- Solution-Focused: Brief, goal-oriented approach
- Integrative: Combines multiple approaches
- Experience Indicators:
- Total years in practice
- Total sessions conducted on Hisparadise
- Types of clients served
- Previous work settings (hospital, private practice, community mental health)
- Areas of expertise development
Personal Information Section:
- Professional Bio:
- Coach's background story and journey to mental health field
- Philosophy and approach to therapy
- What they love about their work
- Who they work best with
- Personal therapy style description
- Introduction Video:
- Short 2-3 minute video introducing themselves
- See their personality and communication style
- Hear how they explain their approach
- Get a feel for whether you'd feel comfortable with them
- Languages Spoken:
- All languages coach can conduct sessions in
- Fluency levels
- Cultural backgrounds represented
- Professional Memberships:
- Nigerian Psychological Association
- Association of Nigerian Counsellors
- International therapy organizations
- Specialty-focused associations
Practical Details Section:
- Availability Calendar:
- Visual calendar showing open time slots
- Next available appointment date
- Typical weekly schedule
- How far in advance you can book
- Pricing Information:
- 30-minute session: Introductory rate or brief check-ins
- 45-minute session: Standard therapy session
- 60-minute session: Full therapy hour
- Package deals: Discounted rates for multiple sessions
- First session discount: New client promotions
- Response Time:
- Average time to respond to messages
- Typical availability for messaging between sessions
- Emergency contact protocols
- Cancellation Policy:
- How far in advance you can cancel for full refund
- Fees for late cancellations
- Rescheduling flexibility
- No-show policy
Social Proof Section:
- Overall Rating:
- Average star rating (out of 5)
- Based on all client reviews
- Breakdown by different rating criteria (empathy, helpfulness, professionalism)
- Total Reviews:
- Number of verified client reviews
- More reviews generally indicate more reliable rating
- Recent reviews weighted more heavily
- Client Testimonials:
- Real feedback from previous clients
- Specific comments about what worked well
- Types of issues successfully addressed
- Communication style feedback
- Note: All identifying information removed for privacy
- Success Metrics:
- Percentage of clients who report improvement
- Average number of sessions per client (indicates effectiveness)
- Client retention rate
- Rebooking percentage
- Verification Badges:
- "Verified License": Credentials confirmed by Hisparadise
- "Top Rated": Consistently high ratings
- "Quick Responder": Responds to messages within 24 hours
- "New Client Friendly": Great with first-time therapy seekers
What to Look for When Choosing a Coach
The best coach for you depends on several factors. Here's a comprehensive guide to making your choice:
1. Specialization Match (Most Important)
Does their expertise align with your specific needs?
- For Anxiety: Look for coaches specifically listing anxiety disorders as a specialty, with training in CBT or exposure therapy
- For Relationships: Choose coaches with couples/marriage counseling certification and experience
- For Trauma: Seek coaches trained in trauma-focused therapies like EMDR or trauma-informed CBT
- For Depression: Find coaches experienced with mood disorders and various treatment approaches
- For Life Coaching: Look for coaches with coaching certifications and personal development focus
Tip: A coach who specializes in your specific issue will be more effective than a generalist, even if the generalist has more overall experience.
2. Therapeutic Approach
Do their methods resonate with your preferences?
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Best if you want:
- Practical, skills-based approach
- Homework and exercises between sessions
- Focus on present problems rather than past
- Measurable progress toward specific goals
- Shorter-term therapy (8-20 sessions typical)
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Best if you want:
- Deep exploration of unconscious patterns
- Understanding how past shapes present
- Insight-oriented approach
- Longer-term therapy relationship
- Focus on self-understanding and awareness
- Person-Centered Therapy: Best if you want:
- Highly empathetic, accepting environment
- Self-directed exploration
- Coach as supportive guide, not directive expert
- Focus on self-acceptance and growth
- Non-judgmental space to explore feelings
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Best if you want:
- Specialized trauma treatment
- Processing traumatic memories
- Evidence-based approach for PTSD
- Structured protocol with proven results
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Best if you want:
- Skills for managing intense emotions
- Mindfulness and distress tolerance training
- Help with emotional regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness skills
- Integrative/Eclectic: Best if you want:
- Flexible approach tailored to your needs
- Coach who draws from multiple methods
- Personalized treatment plan
- Adaptability as your needs change
Tip: Don't worry if you don't know which approach is best. Most coaches will help you determine this during your first session.
3. Communication Style
Will you feel comfortable talking openly with this coach?
Watch their introduction video and read their bio carefully:
- Warm and Empathetic: Gentle, nurturing style that makes you feel safe and understood
- Direct and Challenging: Straightforward feedback that pushes you out of comfort zone
- Collaborative and Equal: Partnership approach where you work together
- Structured and Organized: Clear agendas and systematic approach
- Informal and Relaxed: Conversational, less clinical feeling
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do they seem approachable and friendly?
- Is their communication clear and easy to understand?
- Do you feel comfortable with their personality from the video?
- Does their tone match what you're looking for?
- Can you imagine being honest with them about difficult topics?
4. Experience Level
Consider both quantity and quality of experience:
- Newly Licensed (0-3 years):
- Pros: Recent training, current with latest research, often lower rates, enthusiastic and attentive
- Cons: Less experience handling complex cases, still developing style
- Good for: Straightforward issues like mild anxiety, relationship communication, life transitions
- Established (3-10 years):
- Pros: Solid experience, refined approach, balanced rates, proven track record
- Cons: May have set ways of working, higher demand = less availability
- Good for: Most mental health concerns, complex issues, need for experienced guidance
- Highly Experienced (10+ years):
- Pros: Extensive experience, seen many cases, refined expertise, handles complex situations well
- Cons: Higher rates, limited availability, may be less flexible in approach
- Good for: Complex trauma, severe mental health issues, when previous therapy hasn't worked
Also consider:
- Total Sessions on Platform: Coaches with 100+ sessions on Hisparadise have proven track record
- Specialization Years: How long they've focused on your specific issue matters more than general experience
- Training Quality: Prestigious programs or specialized training can compensate for fewer years
5. Client Reviews
What are others saying about their experience?
How to read reviews effectively:
- Look for Patterns:
- Multiple reviews mentioning same strengths = likely accurate
- Repeated concerns = potential red flags
- Consistency across reviews = reliable indicator
- Pay Attention to Details:
- Specific examples more valuable than general praise
- "Helped me develop coping skills for panic attacks" > "Great coach"
- Reviews from people with similar issues most relevant
- Consider the Source:
- Verified clients (completed sessions) more trustworthy
- Recent reviews more relevant than old ones
- Mix of detailed and brief reviews is normal
- Rating Interpretation:
- 4.8-5.0: Excellent, highly recommended
- 4.5-4.7: Very good, solid choice
- 4.0-4.4: Good, but read reviews carefully
- Below 4.0: Proceed with caution, understand why
- Red Flags in Reviews:
- Multiple mentions of cancellations or lateness
- Complaints about lack of empathy or listening
- Reports of judgmental attitudes
- Concerns about professional boundaries
- Feedback about poor communication
- Green Flags in Reviews:
- "Really understood my cultural background"
- "Gave me practical tools I still use"
- "Made me feel safe to open up"
- "Helped me make real progress"
- "Challenged me in helpful ways"
Tip: Read both the highest and lowest reviews to get balanced perspective. One or two negative reviews among many positive ones is normal.
6. Cultural Fit
Will they understand your cultural context?
Important cultural considerations for Nigerian clients:
- Cultural Understanding:
- Do they understand Nigerian family dynamics?
- Are they aware of extended family pressures and expectations?
- Do they respect traditional values while providing professional care?
- Can they navigate cultural attitudes toward mental health?
- Religious Sensitivity:
- Will they respect your faith and religious beliefs?
- Can they integrate spiritual perspectives if important to you?
- Do they understand role of religion in Nigerian culture?
- Language Comfort:
- Can you express yourself fully in the session language?
- Would you prefer therapy in your native language?
- Do they understand cultural idioms and expressions?
- Shared Background (if important to you):
- Nigerian coach vs international coach
- Similar ethnic background
- Understanding of specific regional cultures
- Shared immigrant/diaspora experience if applicable
Note: While cultural fit can enhance comfort, a skilled coach from any background can provide excellent care with cultural humility and willingness to learn about your experience.
7. Practical Considerations
Does the practical side work for you?
- Availability:
- Do their available times match your schedule?
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Do they offer early morning, evening, or weekend slots?
- What's their cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- Pricing:
- Are their rates within your budget?
- Do they offer package deals that save money?
- Are there sliding scale options for financial hardship?
- What's included in session price?
- Communication Between Sessions:
- Can you message them between sessions?
- How quickly do they typically respond?
- Are there additional charges for between-session support?
- What are emergency contact procedures?
- Session Format:
- Video only or audio option available?
- What platform/technology is used?
- What technical requirements do you need?
Free Consultation Option
Many coaches on Hisparadise offer a brief 15-20 minute free consultation call before you commit to a full session. This is an excellent opportunity to:
- Ask Questions About Their Approach:
- "How do you typically work with clients experiencing [your issue]?"
- "What's your success rate with [specific concern]?"
- "What therapeutic methods would you use with someone like me?"
- "How do you measure progress?"
- "What would a typical session look like?"
- Gauge Comfort Level and Rapport:
- Do you feel heard and understood?
- Does their personality click with yours?
- Do you feel comfortable being vulnerable with them?
- Does their communication style work for you?
- Discuss Your Specific Concerns:
- Share brief overview of what brings you to therapy
- Explain any specific needs or preferences
- Mention any previous therapy experiences
- Discuss any concerns about therapy process
- Clarify Logistics and Expectations:
- Session frequency recommendations
- Expected timeline for progress
- What you should do between sessions
- How to contact them if issues arise
- Cancellation and rescheduling policies
- Determine If They're the Right Fit:
- Trust your gut feeling
- You should feel hopeful after the consultation
- If something feels off, it's okay to keep looking
- Good therapeutic relationship is essential for success
How to Request a Free Consultation:
- Find a coach you're interested in
- Look for "Request Free Consultation" button on their profile
- Or message them directly requesting a brief consultation call
- Suggest a few times that work for you
- Prepare 2-3 questions in advance
- Keep the call focused (15-20 minutes is standard)
Tip: It's perfectly acceptable to have consultations with 2-3 different coaches before deciding. This isn't commitment - it's smart shopping for your mental health care.
Making Your Final Decision
After researching coaches, watching videos, reading reviews, and possibly having consultations, how do you decide?
Trust Your Gut
- If you feel drawn to a particular coach, there's probably a good reason
- Comfort and trust are essential for therapy success
- Your intuition about who you can open up to matters
- If you can't decide between two coaches, either choice is probably fine
Remember: You Can Always Switch
- Your first choice doesn't have to be your only choice
- It's completely acceptable to try a coach and switch if not a good fit
- Most people find the right fit within 1-2 tries
- Good coaches won't be offended if you need someone different
Give It a Fair Chance
- Try at least 2-3 sessions before deciding if it's working
- First session is often just information gathering
- Therapeutic relationship develops over time
- Some discomfort in therapy is normal and productive
When to Switch Coaches:
- You don't feel heard or understood
- Coach seems judgmental or dismissive
- No progress after 6-8 sessions
- You dread sessions instead of looking forward to them
- Major personality clash that doesn't improve
- Coach is regularly late or cancels
- You discover you need different specialization
When NOT to Switch:
- Feeling uncomfortable about opening up (normal in therapy)
- Coach challenges you in helpful ways (can feel hard but is valuable)
- Slow but steady progress (therapy takes time)
- One bad session (everyone has off days)
Remember: Finding the right coach is one of the most important factors in therapy success. Take your time with this decision, but don't overthink it. The perfect coach doesn't exist - the right coach for you does.
Browse Our Coaches Now
In the next section, we'll walk through the booking process step-by-step, from selecting your session to completing payment and preparing for your first appointment.
