5 Myers and Briggs Personality Types That Naturally Make the Best Therapists

In a world increasingly attuned to mental health and emotional well-being, the role of the therapist has never been more vital. But what makes someone naturally suited to this demanding and deeply human profession?

While training, ethics and experience are essential, personality plays a significant role in determining who thrives in the therapist’s chair. Research and clinical experience suggest that the most effective therapists share several core qualities:

• Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Active Listening: Attentiveness to both words and non-verbal cues.
• Creativity: Flexibility in approach, adapting to each client’s unique needs.
• Self-Awareness: Recognizing one’s own biases and emotional responses.
• Patience and Commitment: Willingness to support clients through long, sometimes challenging journeys.

These qualities are not exclusive to any one personality type, but the Myers and Briggs personality system can help identify people who may naturally possess or easily develop these attributes.

INFJ: The Counselor

INFJ may be the world's rarest personality type but, anecdotally, they seem to be well represented among the therapy professions. Empathetic INFJs would make excellent therapists due to their high emotional attunement, intuition and superb listening skills. These types can see patterns and underlying issues that might not be immediately obvious, and their clients would feel safe opening up to them, even about painful feelings, because the INFJ has a way of making people feel heard and understood.

We talk a lot about the INFJ's empathy, but don't forget they are systematic in their approach. These Judging types are adept at creating structured development plans, essential for guiding clients through the therapeutic process. They have a natural ability to guide therapy sessions towards deeper insights and self-discovery.

INFP: The Healer

Deeply empathetic and guided by strong personal values, INFPs excel at creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings. They are naturally attuned to the emotional undercurrents in a conversation and can sense when something is left unsaid. They are also patient listeners, allowing clients to move at their own pace. It's easy to trust an INFP therapist, as they approach their work with authenticity and genuine care for the well-being of others.

Like INFJs, INFPs have an intuitive approach that helps them see beyond surface issues to the root of emotional pain. Their flexibility (Perceiving function) means they can adapt their style to meet each client’s unique needs, making them especially effective with individuals who feel misunderstood or marginalized. Clients often feel genuinely accepted and supported in the presence of an INFP therapist, which is foundational for healing.

ENFJ: The Teacher

ENFJs bring warmth, charisma, and genuine care to the therapy room. Their Extraverted nature allows them to quickly build rapport and trust with clients, while their intuitive and feeling sides help them grasp the underlying dynamics in complex situations. ENFJs are skilled at motivating clients to set and pursue meaningful goals, and they excel at providing both encouragement and gentle accountability. And their Judging preference gives them a knack for structure, ensuring sessions are purposeful and progress is tracked. 

ENFJs thrive on seeing others grow and succeed. Their ability to inspire hope and confidence makes them particularly effective with clients who need both empathy and motivation to move forward.

ISFJ: The Protector

ISFJs embody the qualities of dependability, patience and kindness. In therapy, they bring a gentle, grounded presence that helps clients feel safe and cared for. Their Sensing preference means they are highly observant, picking up on subtle cues in body language and tone that others might miss. ISFJs are also practical and detail-oriented, making them adept at helping clients develop actionable plans for improvement. Clients will always know the next step on their growth pathway with an ISFJ in the therapist’s chair.

ISFJs have a strong sense of duty and commitment which helps clients feel supported throughout their therapeutic journey. ISFJs are particularly effective with individuals who benefit from consistency and a steady, reassuring presence.

ENFP: The Champion

ENFPs bring enthusiasm, creativity and openness to their work as therapists. They are deeply interested in people’s stories and have a talent for seeing possibilities and strengths in their clients, even when clients struggle to see them themselves. ENFPs are naturally empathetic and non-judgmental, making it easy for clients to open up about difficult experiences. Their flexible, adaptable approach allows them to tailor therapy to each individual, and their intuitive insights often lead to breakthrough moments. 

ENFPs are especially skilled at working with clients who feel angry, confused, stuck or uninspired. Emotionally expressive and welcoming of big feelings in the office, they help clients “let it all out” and rediscover hope and motivation.

Thinking of Becoming a Therapist?

If you see yourself in one of these types, you may find therapy a rewarding path. Great therapists come in all types, however, and the diversity of personalities in the field is one of its greatest strengths. So even if you don't identify with any of these types, don't let that discourage you from pursuing a career in therapy.

If you’re curious whether therapy—or adjacent professions like coaching, social work or counseling—might be a good fit, take Truity’s free Career Personality Profiler™ test. It’s a practical way to match your strengths and interests with careers where you’re most likely to thrive, and can help you explore a range of people-focused paths beyond traditional therapy.