Why should I consider doing counselling?
There are lots of different reasons people seek out counselling. Some people may be facing a challenging situation that they aren't sure how to navigate. Some people may want someone to check in with on a regular basis because that helps them keep moving forward. For others there may be a traumatic situation to process. Sometimes people realize that experiences in their past are keeping them stuck and they want to process them and move forward.
Counselling is about having a safe space to talk, to process, to plan, to feel. There is no right or wrong way to do counselling. It is about it being helpful to you.
One of the frequent misconceptions about counselling is that there has to be something wrong or broken in order to do counselling. In reality, counselling can be helpful at any stage in life, not just when something is wrong. In fact, having as safe place to process when things are going well can help build a relationship with a counsellor so that when things are difficult, you already have a relationship to turn to.
I am often asked whether counsellors see counsellors too. In fact, the answer is often yes! While I, personally, work with a supervisor around professional issues, I also see my own personal counsellor. It gives me a place to talk about significant things in my life, to gain additional perspective on situations, and to talk through questions I am processing.
So how do I choose a counsellor?
In grad school, one of the things I was struck by was the studies that showed that regardless of modality or counselling approach, counselling was most effective when the client felt a good connection with their counsellor.
When you are looking for a counsellor, get a sense of who they are. Read their bio on their website. If they have a video intro, watch it. If they have a blog or podcast, read and listen. Send an email with your questions or take advantage of 15-minute phone or video intro sessions. These are all ways to find someone who feels like a good fit.
Training is also important. Here in British Columbia anyone can call themselves a counsellor as of September 2023. It is not yet a protected title. When you are looking for a counsellor, start with a reputable governing body that has stringent requirements. The BCACC - BC Association of Clinical Counsellors - requires a master's degree in a counselling related field as well as 600 hours of supervised internship. The find a counsellor tool on their website is a helpful place to search.
An advertising site such as Psychology Today is also a good place to start, as they require verification of licensing in order to create a profile.
If you know someone who is a counsellor, depending on the relationship you have with them, they may not be able to work with you, but they may be able to recommend someone.
And finally, talk to your friends. Sometimes the best recommendations come from friends who have worked with a counsellor that they feel could be a good fit for you.
So find a counsellor you feel comfortable with and allow counselling to be what you need it to be in order to be helpful.
Happy counselling!
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