FAQ: How can I find a qualified in-person counsellor near me?
Embarking on a journey to improve your mental and emotional well-being is a significant step, akin to seeking the right treatment for a sports injury. Just as you would choose a specialist for a specific injury, selecting a counsellor with expertise tailored to your needs is crucial for effective and swift recovery.
If you have never had counselling before it can be hard to know where to start. Do you want to work with someone in person or virtually? What kind of therapist will be a good fit for you? You go look at Psychology today and do a search for in person counselling in Surrey, and you’ll have over 500 therapists to look at. It can be overwhelming.
I hope that this short blog will help you get started.
What do you want counselling for?
When delving into the realm of mental health support, you'll discover that while many counsellors can assist with anxiety or depression, not all are equipped to address trauma or relationship issues. Clearly defining your needs is the first step in narrowing down your search.
Some things that people usually notice coming up for them as a reason to seek out counselling are:
- Anxiety is more than you’re comfortable with
- Feeling sad and wondering if it is depression
- Events that happened in your childhood that you just can’t forget
- Conflict and communication isn’t working well in your marriage
- Parenting your teen is proving to be difficult
- You’re wondering if you have ADHD
Taking that example of 500 therapists, if you get more specific of what you want help with, let’s say trauma-focussed marriage counselling in Surrey, your search narrows down to 220 therapists.
Ask Questions
As you narrow down the options of who you might want to work with, take time to make sure that this counsellor would be the right fit for you and your personality. Profile descriptions and websites may offer valuable insights, but if you're unsure about a counsellor's specialization, don't hesitate to request a free 15-minute phone call. This brief conversation can help you discern whether their expertise aligns with your specific mental health requirements.
In that consultation, you might ask:
- What days are you available
- How would you work with the issues I’m facing?
- Do you have a waitlist?
- How often would you suggest I come in for counselling?
- Do you offer in person counselling?
- How long have you been a therapist?
- What are your credentials and training?
Know Your Counsellor’s Credentials
Credentials are paramount. Whether you are wanting to use extended healthcare benefits or you are paying privately, it is important to know what the initials behind a counsellor’s name mean. In British Columbia, where there is no specific college for counselors, it's essential to scrutinize qualifications. Recognizing various designations can guide your decision-making process:
RCC – Registered Clinical Counsellor: Holds a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology or equivalent, with two years of post-graduate training. Associated with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Since Covid a lot of extended healthcare benefits programs will cover their services.
CCC – Canadian Certified Counsellor: Possesses a Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology, registered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Requires therapists to maintain ongoing education credits for quality care.
RSW – Registered Social Worker: Holds a Masters in Social Work and is regulated by the BC College of Social Workers, ensuring a high level of oversight. Because there is a College, Social Workers don’t have to charge GST, and their services are typically covered by healthcare benefits plans and even can be reported as a tax deduction.
PhD – Psychologist: Holds a Doctorate in Psychology, governed by the College of Psychologists of BC. Many health care benefits specifically cover psychologists.
Ask for Referrals
Personal referrals are a valuable resource. Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations based on their experiences. Beyond effectiveness, inquire about the counselor's approach, session dynamics, and overall satisfaction. If you are looking for counselling in Langley, ask the professionals you are currently seeing if they have any recommendations. Quite often, counsellors will network with like-minded professionals such as massage therapists, doctors or naturopaths to ensure a continuity of care amongst the people that are helping you be healthy.
Do Your Research
Conduct thorough research using reliable platforms such as bc-counsellors.org, CCPA, Psychology Today, or counsellingbc.com. These sites categorize therapists according to specialties and geographical locations, providing a comprehensive list for your consideration.
While a therapist's profile offers a glimpse into their expertise, exploring their website provides a deeper understanding. Assess whether their language resonates with you and if they address your specific concerns. Evaluate the ease of booking, contacting, and locating them, as these factors contribute to a seamless therapeutic experience.
It’s okay to consult with more than one counsellor
Remember, the initial phone call or even the first session doesn't commit you. If the fit doesn't feel right, it's entirely acceptable to continue your search. Your well-being is paramount, and conducting thorough research ensures you find a counselor who truly understands and supports your journey.
At Panorama Wellness we will often provide you with two or three therapists for you to consider about who could be a good fit for you, your personality, needs, schedule and time. Taking the time to have a free consultation with more than one person can provide you with confidence as you begin your counselling journey.
If you've completed your research and wish to explore whether one of our therapists is the right fit for you, take advantage of our free 15-minute phone consultation by contacting us here. If our recommendation doesn't align with your needs, we're committed to providing a reliable referral to ensure you find the support you're seeking.