But they have to be ready for interference. For someone to get involved in the way they are living their life and to help them change it, says Professor Mary Target of University College London.
The issue could be severe and urgent, like depression after a relationship break-up that leaves the person suicidal and unable to function properly.
Or there could be a desire to change unhealthy patterns, such as drinking too much or choosing abusive partners.
Some people want to understand themselves better. Others just want things to be different, says Prof Target, a speaker at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists' Congress in Perth.
Australians need a referral from a GP if they want to claim a Medicare rebate for treatment by a psychologist.
But they should not be afraid to ask for a new referral if the fit is not right.
"Therapists vary hugely in how good they are. People should not just settle for the first psychologist they see."
A patient needs to trust their psychologist on a similar level to a child's trust for a parent, Prof Target says.
"It's important that the therapist facilitates an attachment with the patient. They need to be reliable and a person who can be confided in."
The idea of an attachment relationship was originally intended to apply to parents and their children.
"Parents need to be dependable and interested and care about their kids. The therapist's role should be similar to that, obviously in a professional setting.
"They need to listen hard and try to understand on an individual basis. They must not apply the same framework to every patient in an unchanging way.
"The patient is generally an adult but is vulnerable and depends on the therapist to look after them in a skilled, authentic and safe way.
"There's a range of different kinds of therapy and therapists and people have to find one that really works for them."
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.