How to Choose the Right Counsellor for Your Mental Health Journey

Seeking help for your mental and emotional well-being is a big step — and much like choosing a specialist for a physical injury, finding the right counsellor for your unique needs is key to your healing process. If you’re new to therapy, the whole process might feel a little overwhelming. You might wonder: Where do I start? Should I choose in-person or virtual sessions? How do I know which therapist is right for me?

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the steps to finding a therapist that’s the right fit, so you can feel confident as you begin your mental health journey.

What Do You Want to Work On?

First things first: define what you’re seeking support for. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, navigating a tough relationship, or working through past trauma, it’s important to identify what you’d like help with. Many therapists specialize in certain areas, so knowing your needs will help narrow down your options.

Some common reasons people seek counselling include:

• Anxiety that’s interfering with daily life

• Feelings of sadness or wondering if it’s depression

• Unresolved childhood trauma

• Ongoing conflict or communication issues in a marriage

• Parenting challenges, especially with teens

• Suspecting you may have ADHD

For example, if you’re specifically looking for trauma-informed marriage counselling in Surrey, your search may go from 500 therapists to a more manageable 220. The more specific you can be about what you’re dealing with, the easier it becomes to find the right fit.

Ask Questions Before Committing

As you narrow down potential therapists, it’s important to ensure they’re a good fit for you. Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation call — take advantage of this! It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their style, approach, and expertise.

Here are a few questions you can ask during the consultation:

• What is your availability?

• How would you approach the issues I’m facing?

• Do you have a waitlist?

• How often do you recommend clients come in for counselling?

• Do you offer in-person counselling?

• How long have you been practising?

• What are your credentials and training?

Know Your Counsellor’s Credentials

Credentials matter. Whether you’re using extended healthcare benefits or paying privately, it’s important to understand what the initials behind a counsellor’s name mean. In British Columbia, there’s no specific college for counsellors, so it’s important to verify qualifications. Here are a few credentials to look out for:

• RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor): Holds a Master’s in Counselling Psychology (or equivalent) and two years of post-graduate training. Many extended healthcare benefits cover these services.

• CCC (Canadian Certified Counsellor): A Master’s in Counselling Psychology and registration with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Ongoing professional development is required.

• RSW (Registered Social Worker): Holds a Master’s in Social Work and is regulated by the BC College of Social Workers. Services are often covered by healthcare plans and can be tax-deductible.

• PhD (Psychologist): Holds a Doctorate in Psychology and is governed by the College of Psychologists of BC. Many health plans cover psychologists' services.

Ask for Referrals

A personal referral can be one of the best ways to find a great therapist. Ask friends, family, or even colleagues for recommendations. When getting referrals, inquire about the therapist’s approach, what the sessions were like, and their overall experience.

If you’re currently seeing other professionals (e.g., a doctor, naturopath, or massage therapist), ask them for recommendations as well. Many therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure a well-rounded approach to your mental health.

Do Your Research

Take the time to do some research on platforms like bc-counsellors.org, CCPA, Psychology Today, or CounsellingBC.com. These sites allow you to filter by location and specialty, making it easier to find a therapist that matches your needs.

As you browse profiles, assess whether their language resonates with you and if they address your specific concerns. A well-designed website can offer valuable insight into a therapist’s approach, specialties, and availability. Make sure it’s easy to contact them and schedule an appointment.

It’s Okay to Consult With More Than One Therapist

Remember, the first consultation or session doesn’t commit you to that therapist. If it doesn’t feel like a good fit, that’s completely okay! Your well-being is the most important thing, and it may take some time to find the right therapist who truly understands and supports you.

At Panorama Wellness Group, we often provide clients with a few therapist recommendations to choose from, based on personality, needs, and availability. You can always have a free consultation with multiple professionals to find the one that feels right for you.

If you’ve done your research and are considering working with me, I’d be happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a good match. If it turns out I’m not the right fit, I’ll do my best to connect you with someone who can meet your needs.

Ready to Get Started?

Starting therapy is a big step, and I’m here to support you in finding the right fit. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can help you, feel free to reach out. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and there’s no shame in seeking help. It’s the first step toward living a more balanced and fulfilled life. I offer in person and virtual counselling out of my Surrey, BC office.