How to Find the Right Counsellor
Finding a counsellor can seem like a daunting task. It can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some tips on how to search for and select a good counsellor that feels like the right fit for you.
Search for a counsellor using an online directory
There are several websites or platforms that you can browse to search for a counsellor. You can often filter by city/location, areas of focus, and treatment methods or approaches. Some websites even allow you to search for specific things like LGBTQ-allied professionals or offices that are wheelchair accessible.
You might browse several profiles, trying to get a sense of how well you will connect with someone. You learn a lot about a person by what is on their profile – their values, interests, and approach, the types of clients they typically work with, rates and availability.
Some helpful websites with directories of counsellors include (click on each to open in new window):
2. Meet with several counsellors for a free consult
Once you’ve found a few therapist profiles that you are interested in, one of the best ways to see if someone is a good fit for you is to have an initial consult or “meet-and-greet”.
Many counsellors offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation that lasts about 15-30 minutes and is conducted by phone or video. It is a way to help you and the counsellor get to know each other before committing to working together. You’ll have the chance to ask any questions you may have and get a sense how whether it is a good fit for you.
I offer all new clients a free 30-minute virtual consultation. Book one here.
3. Ask questions about important areas
Feel free to ask your counsellor questions about important things to help you get a sense if they are the right fit for you. Some good questions might be:
What education and training have you received?
You might inquire about a counsellor’s training and education. Most counsellors have a masters degree in counselling or counselling psychology. You’ll see this in the letters behind their name, including MA, MEd, or MC. Some counsellors have training in social work and may have a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Ask your potential counsellor what their degree is in and where they studied. They might also have additional training in specialty areas such as trauma, addiction, or art therapy. Some counsellors have also completed a PhD, and may also be a Registered Psychologist (R.Psych).
Who are you registered or licensed with?
After graduating from a master’s program, many counsellors apply for a designation with a professional association. This means that a counsellor has met the criteria for that association, which often includes completing certain coursework in their training, completing a certain numbers of supervised counselling hours during a practicum, passing a criminal record check, submitting references, and paying an annual fee.
Many counsellors in BC apply for the designation of Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, or Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, among others. The benefit of seeing a counsellor with a designation of RCC or CCC means that their services may be eligible for reimbursement from extended benefit insurance providers.
Do you attend supervision?
You might ask if your counsellor participates in regular clinical supervision for ongoing consultation and skill development. Counsellors are human too, and we need support and guidance from others as well.
What experience do you have?
You might ask what previous experience your counsellor has. How long have they been practicing? What age groups or populations do they typically work with? Have they worked with people with your presenting concern before? Do they feel equipped to take on your case?
Do you offer Online or in-person services?
Many counsellors are now offering virtual services in addition to in-person services, and some counsellors are offering only one or the other. Check with your counsellor to see what type of services they offer and you can decide whether it suits your needs at this time.
What is your availability?
Ask what their hours and availability is to see if it matches with your schedule. You can ask how soon they are able to book an appointment with you. Some therapists have immediate availability and some therapists have a waitlist of several weeks or months.
But mostly importantly, go with your gut.
A counsellor should help you feel seen, heard, and understood. Choose someone who helps you safely explore parts of yourself that you are curious to explore, and someone that helps you feel like a team member in the journey of self-discovery. And even though a counsellor won’t get it right 100% of the time, an effective counsellor should be able to acknowledge their mistakes and make any repairs to relational ruptures if they do occur. Go with someone that helps you feel safe, but gently challenges you when you need it. And remember, you can change your mind or switch counsellors if you feel it isn’t working out. Let your counsellor know what you are looking for, and what’s important to you.
I hope this article has helped you in your search for a counsellor. Congrats on taking this first step to finding a counsellor that is right for you.
