9 Things to Consider When Choosing a Counsellor
The pandemic has been tough on everyone. Maybe it was tough before, but post pandemic you feel even more “raw” than before. If you’re finding yourself feeling more anxious, stressed, or down than usual, you might be considering talking to a counselor. Counselling can be a really helpful way to work through whatever is going on in your life, but it’s important to choose the right person for the job. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a counselor.
1. What type of counseling do you need?
The first step is to identify what type of counseling you need. Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or something else entirely? Do you need individual, group or couples counselling? There are counsellors who specialize in specific areas, so it’s important to find one that meets your specific needs.
2. What is your budget?
Counselling can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget when looking for a counsellor. Many counselors offer sliding scale fees based on income, so be sure to ask about this before scheduling an appointment.
3. What are your insurance benefits?
If you have extended health insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover counselling services. Many plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of counseling, so this is definitely something to consider when choosing a provider.
4. What is the counselor’s approach?
There are many different approaches to counselling, so it’s important that you find one that aligns with your needs and preferences. Do some research ahead of time and read reviews from other clients to get a feel for the counselor’s style and approach.
5. Do they use evidence-based approaches?
When it comes to counseling, not all approaches are created equal. Evidence-based approaches are backed by research and have been proven to be effective. So, if you’re looking for results, make sure your counselor uses evidence-based approaches in their practice.
6. What are the logistics?
Additionally, consider the logistics of meeting with a counsellor. Do you prefer in-person sessions or would you feel more comfortable meeting virtually? Are you looking for someone who offers evening or weekend appointments? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a counsellor.
7. Do they have a good bedside manner?
This one is important but often overlooked. It’s important to feel comfortable with your counsellor and like they genuinely care about helping you. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it will be difficult to open up and talk about what’s going on in your life.
8. What are their cancellation policies?
Life happens, and sometimes you have to cancel or reschedule appointments. When considering a counsellor, make sure you’re aware of their cancellation policies so that there are no surprises down the road if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
9. What is their availability like?
When considering a counsellor, it’s important to make sure they have availability that works with your schedule. If they only offer appointments during business hours but you work full-time or do shift work, that probably won’t work for you. Likewise, if they only offer evening appointments but you have young kids at home, that probably won’t work either if they only meet in person. Make sure their availability works for your life before making an appointment so that there are no surprises down the road.
While choosing a counsellor can feel like a daunting task, it can be straightforward! Getting started is oftentimes the scariest part. Take a look at their websites, give them a call or email, and do a consultation session if they offer one. By keeping these nine things in mind, you can narrow down your options and choose the best counsellor for YOU!