If you’ve ever thought about seeking out a counsellor or therapist, you might just be getting started on a journey into uncharted territory. Should you prioritize cost, location, specialization, or some combination of these factors? The decision isn’t one to be taken lightly, as the right counsellor can make a world of difference in your personal growth and well-being.
Just like looking for the best of anything in our city, the search for the best counsellor in Calgary is worth the effort. Here, our aim is to navigate the maze of choices with you and ensure you know what to look for and, more importantly, when you know you’ve found the right person.
How Do I Choose a Therapist for the First Time?
So, you’re brand new to the whole idea of therapy. You don’t know even know where to begin – individual sessions, couples counselling, specialized treatment for depression or anxiety, or something else you haven’t even thought of. Don’t worry…everyone starts somewhere! Here are some ways to help you find your way forward.
Free Therapy Consultations
Here at Your Counselling – at basically all therapy clinics, actually – you can partake in a free 15-minute consultation available for all potential new clients. This is a no-pressure, no-obligation meeting or phone call where you can get a better understanding of our facility, our people, and how we operate. In turn, we gain a bit of insight into your specific needs and circumstances.
This consultation is an important part of the therapy process, because it helps us ensure that we are the right fit for you. After all, counselling should never feel forced or uncomfortable – you should feel welcomed and at ease. You can ask any questions you may have about what to expect, and make an informed decision about whether you would like to proceed.
Referrals for Therapy in Calgary
Even though we do our best to suit everyone, the simple fact is that it’s never quite that cut-and-dry. There are many factors to consider, and some people won’t feel the connection with anyone on our team of therapists – and that’s okay!
If it seems we’re not the right fit, we’ll use what we’ve learned during the consultation to make recommendations and even referrals for other agencies that will suit you better. After all, the hallmark of a good therapist is doing what’s best for you, even if they are not the ones to do it. Through our professional connections, we can help you find a place that ‘checks all the boxes’ and gives you the best possible results. When done right, this can turn into a long and fruitful relationship with a counsellor you trust, and ultimately, deliver hope and healing where you need it most.
How Do I Find the Right Therapist in Calgary?
The first step to finding the “right” therapist is thinking about what defines “the right therapist” for you.
It’s about more than choosing the first name on the list when you call. It’s about finding a counsellor that you can trust and feel comfortable with. One that you can open up with in a heartfelt, one-to-one session, as part of a family meeting, or as a concerned parent. It may take time, and that’s okay.
Go Beyond Credentials
Of course, qualifications and experience are important – but they’re not the whole equation. You may want someone with specific life experience, ethnic background, or cultural knowledge. Maybe you just want someone who can talk online, without the pressure of ever meeting in person.
Trust us, our feelings won’t be hurt if you express this desire. In fact, we’ll be grateful if you do – it’ll help us decide whether we’re the right choice, or if someone else is better suited to the situation.
Different Therapy Techniques
Many people initially choose a psychologist or counsellor based on their skillset and therapeutic specializations. You never know – great relationships can blossom from there! Our group of therapists has a diverse range of expertise and approaches to match our clients’ needs, such as:
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- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DRT)
- Narrative Therapy
These different approaches can help you narrow down what course of treatment you want to follow, and by extension, what kind of therapist you want to spend your time with.
How Many Sessions Do You Need to Choose a Therapist?
Just as there isn’t a universally applicable formula to overcome a condition like addiction or too much stress, there’s no magic number of sessions that guarantees you’ll find the perfect fit immediately.
It’s not unheard of for some people to feel a strong connection after only a couple of sessions – that’s enough for them to make that decision and continue on their therapy journey. But others might need a longer period of weeks or even months to establish that sense of rapport and comfort. And you know what? That’s okay, too. It’s essential to grant yourself the time and space to explore your feelings and reactions when it comes to your individual therapy.
Keep an open mind
Remember, flexibility is key throughout this process. If, after a few sessions, you find that the therapeutic relationship isn’t developing as you had hoped, it’s absolutely acceptable to consider exploring other options.
There are a lot of different approaches out there – even within our own clinic, as a matter of fact – and each professional offers something distinct in their practice. We acknowledge that the chemistry between you and your therapist plays a pivotal role in your healing, and we hope you know that, too.
Besides, it’s not like any time spent in therapy is truly wasted. Even if you do change counsellors, you’re still reaping the benefits of going in the first place.
Book a Therapy Session Online in Calgary
Do you still have questions about finding the right therapist for you? Our recommendation is to start with a free 15-minute consultation, which you can do right here through the online form.
Together, we can find the right person to guide you forward through therapy, healing, and a better quality of life!