If you’re looking for counselling services in Vancouver, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Most people who need help don’t know where to go or what kind of help they’re going to receive, but this doesn’t need to be the case. Below is a guide that tells you how to get the counselling you deserve.
Think about what you want to get out of counselling
Do you need someone to help you deal with a specific issue? Do you want advice on a difficult decision? Or are you just looking for someone to talk things out with? If there’s more than one possible goal, make sure that your counsellor understands what you hope to accomplish during your appointment.
Think about what you’re looking for in a counsellor
Counselling is not one-size-fits-all—every person has their own needs and goals. Some people only want someone to listen to them vent, while others want practical advice on how to improve their lives. Other people want both. Make sure that your counsellor understands what you need before starting sessions together.
Who will be my counsellor? While there are many different types of therapists out there, some are better suited than others depending on your situation and needs. For example, if you’re trying to cope with anxiety or depression, then finding someone who specializes in those areas might be best suited for your situation.
Think about doing your research
When choosing a counsellor or therapist, it’s important to do some research and find someone who meets your needs. You’ll want someone who is qualified, experienced, and comfortable working with clients like yourself—whether that means people going through a divorce or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they have recommendations for therapists that they’ve used themselves or know of others who have had positive experiences with a particular counsellor. You can also look on the Internet for local therapists or counsellors who specialize in your type of problem.
Think about whether you want in-person or online counselling
If you’re thinking about counselling, you might want to consider whether you want in-person or online counselling. Think about how you feel about meeting with a counsellor face to face, and whether that would be more comfortable for you.
If you think it would be easier for you to chat over the phone or via video chat than in person, then online counselling might be a good fit. It’s also worth considering if there are times during the week when your schedule is more flexible—if so, online counselling may be right for you!
Think about how often you’d like to come in
When you’re looking for counselling, it’s important to think about how often you’d like to come in. If you feel like you need a lot of support, then choosing weekly or even twice-weekly sessions might be best for you. If, on the other hand, you’re feeling better and don’t need as much of a long-term commitment, monthly or even bi-monthly sessions may be more appropriate.
Think about whether your therapist can accept your insurance (if you have any)
If you have health insurance and are wondering whether it covers counselling sessions, check with your insurance company before making an appointment. Many health insurance plans cover a certain number of sessions every year, so check with them before going ahead with any appointments.
Counselling can have many positive benefits, and it can be the key to unlocking new potential in your life. But finding a good counsellor requires work on your part—you need to know what you’re looking for and how to go about finding it.
For the counselling support you deserve, reach out to My Rest.