The search for a counsellor can feel like a daunting task… there are so many theoretical approaches, and so many individual counsellors – how can you pick the right one for you? Knowing what a struggle this can be for people, I have set up my website to help you as much as possible… but please feel free to contact me directly if you are still uncertain and would like more information.
First and foremost: Finding ‘the right fit’ for you is crucial – research repeatedly shows that the relationship between client and therapist is the strongest predictor of success in counselling. Each therapist brings him or herself to this work, and you may not find the right one immediately. Don’t give up though, you CAN find a counsellor for you!
Step 1: At this time in British Columbia, anyone can call themselves a counsellor, so look for specific credentials. A psychologist has completed a PhD program, while a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) has at least a Masters degree in a relevant field of study. Professional associations certify these practitioners and hold them accountable to strict professional standards and ethics.
Step 2: Try to identify what you are looking for. Are you struggling with a personal issue, such as depression, addiction, grief, boredom, anger, chronic sadness, anxiety, midlife transitions, low self-esteem, etc.? Is your relationship, or your family, functioning in pain? Do you feel unfulfilled, lost, or lonely? Do you feel stuck, are you seeking personal growth, or life skills? As you become clear what you would like us to help you with, you may then start ‘matching’ your needs to the counsellor’s training, experience, and areas of specialization.
Step 3: There are broad differences in the types of approaches, or “theoretical models” that counsellors work with. So your next step is to make a list of counsellors near you, whose theoretical model and personal approach ‘feel right’ to you. Some counsellors work primarily with individuals, some with families; some counsellors use cognitive approaches, others work with the body. Each and every counsellor is unique – no two counsellors have exactly the same training and personal
experience, and of course each counsellor has their own personality, personal style, and personal beliefs about psychological health that they bring to their work.
Step 4: Once you have narrowed your choices, contact each counsellor directly, and let them know you are searching for your ‘best fit.’ Notice how you feel while talking or emailing with them… Do they answer your questions clearly? Do you feel rushed? judged? confused? pressured? Or heard, understood, and respected? Trust your gut – this is your life, and you are hiring the counsellor to work for you, not vice versa.
Step 5: And finally, no matter how carefully you do your research, you can’t really know for sure whether the counsellor is a good fit for you until you have had a session or two with them. Some counsellors offer a no-charge introductory session, which can help decrease the uncertainty, allowing you to spend an hour getting to know each other. Just remember that you are never obligated to continue with any counsellor who does not feel right for you.
By reading this, you have already taken the first step on a life-changing journey. Counselling is a valuable tool to help you develop self-understanding and greater emotional health, and the result can transform your life. Please let me know if I can be of any more help to you.
First and foremost: Finding ‘the right fit’ for you is crucial – research repeatedly shows that the relationship between client and therapist is the strongest predictor of success in counselling. Each therapist brings him or herself to this work, and you may not find the right one immediately. Don’t give up though, you CAN find a counsellor for you!
Step 1: At this time in British Columbia, anyone can call themselves a counsellor, so look for specific credentials. A psychologist has completed a PhD program, while a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) has at least a Masters degree in a relevant field of study. Professional associations certify these practitioners and hold them accountable to strict professional standards and ethics.
Step 2: Try to identify what you are looking for. Are you struggling with a personal issue, such as depression, addiction, grief, boredom, anger, chronic sadness, anxiety, midlife transitions, low self-esteem, etc.? Is your relationship, or your family, functioning in pain? Do you feel unfulfilled, lost, or lonely? Do you feel stuck, are you seeking personal growth, or life skills? As you become clear what you would like us to help you with, you may then start ‘matching’ your needs to the counsellor’s training, experience, and areas of specialization.
Step 3: There are broad differences in the types of approaches, or “theoretical models” that counsellors work with. So your next step is to make a list of counsellors near you, whose theoretical model and personal approach ‘feel right’ to you. Some counsellors work primarily with individuals, some with families; some counsellors use cognitive approaches, others work with the body. Each and every counsellor is unique – no two counsellors have exactly the same training and personal
experience, and of course each counsellor has their own personality, personal style, and personal beliefs about psychological health that they bring to their work.
Step 4: Once you have narrowed your choices, contact each counsellor directly, and let them know you are searching for your ‘best fit.’ Notice how you feel while talking or emailing with them… Do they answer your questions clearly? Do you feel rushed? judged? confused? pressured? Or heard, understood, and respected? Trust your gut – this is your life, and you are hiring the counsellor to work for you, not vice versa.
Step 5: And finally, no matter how carefully you do your research, you can’t really know for sure whether the counsellor is a good fit for you until you have had a session or two with them. Some counsellors offer a no-charge introductory session, which can help decrease the uncertainty, allowing you to spend an hour getting to know each other. Just remember that you are never obligated to continue with any counsellor who does not feel right for you.
By reading this, you have already taken the first step on a life-changing journey. Counselling is a valuable tool to help you develop self-understanding and greater emotional health, and the result can transform your life. Please let me know if I can be of any more help to you.