How do I pick the right counsellor?
Has therapy been on your list of things to do?
Maybe you’re looking for a counsellor to help you cope with anxiety, overcome depression, navigate your way through a break up or you’re in the middle of a life transition - counselling is great for all of this and so much more.
If you’ve never been to counselling then the start on this journey can be really overwhelming. I totally get it. Just because I’m a counsellor doesn’t make me oblivious to the fact that the start to this process is scary - searching for someone, sending an email, booking an appointment and arriving at that appointment can all feel daunting, especially when you’ve never done it before. Just like anything you try for the first time.
You’re not alone. I’ve worked with so many new-to-counselling clients and many of them have become my longest-standing clients to date. Whether you’re new to therapy or searching for your new counsellor, here are a few things to consider when searching for the right counsellor for you:
Ask yourself --
What type of person am I looking for? Think demographic, age, identity and personality. Do you prefer lived experience over experience with clients? (ex. Culture, religion, race, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, etc.)
What matters most to me? Is it location or mode of sessions - do you want to meet in person, have online therapy or a combination of both? Are you looking for more affordable options? Are you looking to work with an intern for a lowered cost? Is it cultural competence, a certain lived experience or a language preference maybe? Someone who practices from a particular lens - feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, etc.
Is there an approach I'm specifically looking for? Maybe you’ve heard of different types of approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or EMDR and you’re looking for a particular approach that not every counsellor practices in. This is an important consideration to keep in mind during the rest of your search.
Do you have benefits? Not everyone has this privilege but if you do, double check your coverage to see what type of counsellors are covered and how much is covered. Some benefit providers will cover specific designations - ex. CCC, RCC, or RSW . If you’re lucky to have a multiple of them covered then your search is much wider. But if your coverage is more specific and having your sessions reimbursed to you is important to you then it’s recommended to know this in advance to help you with a more targeted search.
There are many online directories (ex. Psychology Today ) and even a quick look at any search engine with something like “anxiety counsellors in BC” will quickly load up options. Maybe you hear about a counsellor by word of mouth, you see something on social media or you get a referral from somewhere else. Start by checking out the counsellors website and if you like what you see and consider doing a phone consultation. I always recommend requesting a phone consultation once you’ve found one (or more) potential counsellors you’re interested in connecting with.
Maybe you're now wondering... what happens in a phone consultation?
Phone consultations allow you the time to get to know your potential counsellor and also for them to get to know you too. This is a great way to determine if you’re a good match to work together and ask questions that are important to you. Some counsellors may have different approaches to this (ex. phone, over zoom, suggest you fill out an intake form ahead of time).
Here are some ideas on what to ask a counsellor during a consultation phone call:
What are your rates?
How do I book an appointment?
What is your schedule availability?
What themes/concerns have you worked with and what has success or growth looked like for your clients with these concerns?
What experience do you have working with my areas of concern?
Consider what other questions that can help you decide if you want to work with them.
For example, I’ve been asked are what is my favourite part about being a counsellor, what made me want to be a counsellor and how I take care of myself while taking care of other people. I’ve noticed that this helps a client gauge my personality and it allows me to show my human parts. Which personally, I'm all about and I've loved these questions.
Real talk, it’s absolutely OK to have preferences and it’s also good to be open-minded. You never know who can surprise you. If a certain preference you have is non-negotiable, be open to communicating that and if the counsellor isn’t the right match then it’s very possible they know someone else to connect you with. Our counselling community is so big and diverse so connecting you with someone else may be easier than you think.
It’s no secret that counselling is a vulnerable space so finding the right person who you feel connected, can trust and have a lasting relationship with is so important. But keep in mind that just like any relationship, it can take time to build that trust and connection. So, what if it’s not the best fit? Or what does a first session look like? Check out my FAQs page here .
You deserve a safe and welcoming space to be you and to be supported. Whether you’re new to counselling or are looking for a new counsellor to support you and you think I could be a good match, I’d love to connect !
