7 Tips for Choosing a Counselor

Are you feeling down, anxious, or lost? Do you feel like you can’t cope with life’s challenges on your own? If so, you may benefit from talking to a counsellor from Virtuous Circle Counselling. Counselling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome your struggles and live a happier, healthier life. However, choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision, and it’s important to find someone who is a good fit for you. We’ve put together a list of 7 tips to help make the process a little easier.

Define what you need

It’s important to first define what you need in a counsellor. What are your goals for therapy? What type of counselling do you think will be the best fit for you based on your needs? Some people prefer cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on how thoughts, feelings and behaviours are related. Others prefer psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapy, which helps people become aware of their unconscious thoughts and motivations.

 Other factors to consider when choosing a counsellor include convenience (location, hours, insurance accepted) and personality fit. You’ll want to select somebody with whom you feel comfortable sharing intimate details of your life.

What’s your budget?

The cost of counselling can vary, depending on the therapist’s experience, location and specialty. While the average cost for a 50-minute session is between $50-240$, it’s important to find a counsellor that fits your budget. If money is an issue, ask your insurance company about their coverage for mental health services. You may also want to consider sliding-scale therapy, which is offered by many counsellors who work on a sliding scale based on income. You can also find free or low-cost counselling through community mental health centers, university counselling centers or religious organizations.

What’s your preferred method of communication?

Counselling is a two-way street, so you want to make sure you and your counsellor are on the same page. One of the most important factors in choosing a counsellor is their preferred method of communication. Some counsellors prefer in-person meetings, while others are happy to communicate over the phone or online. If you’re not comfortable with your counsellor’s preferred method of communication, it might be best to find someone else.

What’s your preferred counselling style?

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a counsellor is their therapeutic style. Do you prefer a more directive or a more collaborative approach? Some counsellors are very hands-on, while others prefer to give you more space. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, ask your potential counsellor about their counselling style and how they think it would best suit your needs.

What are your preferred appointment times?

You’ll want to consider your preferred appointment times. Some counsellors offer daytime, evening and weekend appointments, while others may only offer certain times. If there are specific times that work better for you, be sure to ask the counsellor if they offer those appointment times. You don’t want to be frustrated by not being able to schedule appointments that work with your schedule.

What are the counsellor’s credentials?

When choosing a counsellor, it’s important to do your research and make sure they have the proper credentials. Gather information about their education and training, as well as any memberships or certifications they may have. You can also check with your potential counsellor’s professional organization (if applicable) to find out if there are any complaints against them which may have been filed.

How comfortable do you feel?

Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that your counsellor is someone you’re comfortable with. Some people prefer working with a male or female therapist; others may have preferences based on their race or cultural background. You should always feel like your potential counsellor listens to and respects your needs. If you don’t feel comfortable with your counsellor, it’s probably not the right fit for you.

What’s the counsellor’s cancellation policy?

You’ll also want to ask about the counsellor’s cancellation policy. Some counsellors charge a fee if you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice, while others may not charge anything. If you’re someone who often has last-minute conflicts, you may want to choose a counsellor with a more lenient cancellation policy.

Is the counsellor licensed and insured?

Finally, make sure that your potential counsellor is properly licensed and insured. In many states, it’s required for therapists to be licensed in order to do therapy. You’ll want to ensure that your counsellor is properly credentialed and able to provide you with quality mental health services. Additionally, it’s important that they have liability insurance in case anything goes wrong during your sessions.

Conclusion

Choosing a counsellor can be difficult, but it’s important to take the time to find the right one for you. By defining what you need and considering your budget, communication preferences, and counselling style, you can find a counsellor that’s a good fit for you.