How to Find the Right Counsellor for You
You may have been wrestling with the idea of starting counselling, but the process of finding a counsellor may feel overwhelming. This may be because of past experiences with counselling, such as in school, or because you are wondering if counselling will be worth it when considering the financial commitment, time, and effort it takes to make substantial change.
Here are some points and questions to consider when beginning the process of finding the right Counsellor for you:
1.) Assess Your Needs and Goals and Find a Counsellor that Fits
Assess your personal struggles, including relationships, work, and past traumas. This involves receiving care for continuing mental health issues like anxiety or depression, as well as dealing with grief. [1]It is critical to choose a counsellor who is competent in these areas and enthusiastic about working through these issues with you. You can look through their bios for mentions of these themes and inquire about their experience dealing with the challenges you're experiencing.
2.) What type of Counselling are you looking for?
Are you seeking in-person or online counselling? During this period, it is critical to assess your location. For example, if you reside in a rural region, in-person counselling may be limited, but you can still consult any counsellor in BC via online counselling as long as they provide it. [2]Furthermore, it is critical to consider your scheduling requirements and determine which time frames allow you to engage in secure, confidential therapy sessions. This may necessitate contacting a counsellor who offers services outside of the regular 9-5 workweek.
3.) How can I see if a Counsellor is a good fit?
The therapeutic alliance, or relationship between you and your counsellor, is one of the most critical aspects in achieving a successful outcome in treatment. [3]When selecting a counsellor, ask if they provide an initial session or a meet and greet so that you may decide if the counsellor is a suitable fit. During this time, consider whether you will feel comfortable and safe continuing forward with the counsellor, as well as accepted and not judged.
[1] Bsn, S. a. W. R. (2021, December 14). 6 reasons to see a therapist. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/reasons-to-see-a-therapist#in-need-of-support
[2] Reach Behavioral Health. (2024, April 22). The pros and cons of virtual therapy vs. in-person therapy - Reach Behavioral Health. Reach Behavioral Health. https://reachbh.org/the-pros-and-cons-of-virtual-therapy-vs-in-person-therapy/
[3] Baier, A. L., Kline, A. C., & Feeny, N. C. (2020). Therapeutic alliance as a mediator of change: A systematic review and evaluation of research. Clinical Psychology Review, 82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101921
