The Best Counsellors & Therapists In Vancouver: How to Choose Them
Written by: Alycia Oliver BA, MCP, RCC
Finding the right counselor can be a transformative experience, offering support, guidance, and a path to personal growth. At Gather & Ground we view finding a therapeutic match as important as choosing your life partner. However, with so many options available, the process of finding the best counselor can be daunting. To support you in this decision, here’s a detailed guide to help you find the right match for your needs!
1. Understand Your Own Needs
Before you begin your search, it's essential to understand your own needs and goals for counselling. Ask yourself the following questions:
What specific challenges do I want to address in counseling?
Do I have a preference for a counselor with a particular specialization (e.g., trauma, addiction, family therapy)?
What type of counseling am I looking for (individual, couples, family, group)?
Do I prefer in-person sessions, online therapy, or a combination of both?
Having clear answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options and focus on counsellors who can best meet your needs.
2. Research Different Types of Counsellors
For most people, it is hard to even know what it even means to have different counselling types. In our discovery calls at our clinic this is where I walk through the primary identifying “type” factors.
Firstly, I ask the potential client- do you prefer an active/ directive counsellor or a passive/ non-directive counsellor. Let me break down what this means:
Active/ Directive Counsellor: this is a counsellor who is more involved in the therapeutic process. They will typically provide actionable items and tasks for you to focus on between sessions. A directive counsellor may not tell you what to do, but they will be more assertive in the way they support you. This is a results driven approach to therapy!
Passive/Non-Directive Counsellor: this kind of counsellor takes a more gentle approach. They will paraphrase, provide empathetic statements, and ensure you are feeling validated, heard, and supported. In this kind of therapy you may not get clear tools on what to work on between sessions, but you will leave feeling held and cared for.
You may be wondering.. What if I want a combination of the two!? Well, rest assured this is an option as well. Many of the therapists at Gather & Ground balance these two approaches while offering our client value model. We believe in care going beyond the clinical hour. If you thrive, we thrive!
3. Look for Qualifications and Credentials
When evaluating potential counselors, check their qualifications and credentials. Important credentials to look for include:
Therapists will either be an Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Social Worker (MSW), Psychologist, or Psychiatrist.
Membership in professional organizations such as the BCACC (British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors)
If you are looking to receive an official mental health diagnosis you will need to seek support from a psychologist.
These credentials show that your mental health professional has adequate training and specializations!
4. Seek Recommendations and Read Reviews
Personal recommendations can be invaluable in finding a trustworthy counselor. Ask friends, family, or healthcare providers for referrals. Additionally, read online reviews and content on platforms like Google, Yelp, specialized mental health directories, and/or social media. Pay attention to comments about the counselor’s expertise, approach, and effectiveness.
5. Consider the Counselor’s Approach and Style
Counselors use various therapeutic approaches, and it’s important to find one that resonates with you. Common approaches include CBT, DBT, Somatic Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness- Based Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.
If you are unsure what these modalities and approaches mean, rest assured, we have some information pages on our website to get you started!
6. Book a Consultation & Trust Your Instincts
Your instincts play a crucial role in finding the right counselor. If something feels off during your initial interactions, it’s okay to explore other options. Trust yourself to know what feels right for you.
The things you should look for in finding the right therapist are as follows:
Feeling somewhat comfortable (this is normalizing that it can take time to establish trust and safety)
Therapist availability aligns with your schedule
You have a sense of curiosity about the therapeutic process
You feel heard and understood in the struggles you are experiencing
Final Thoughts:
Finding the best counselor is a personal and sometimes challenging journey, but it’s one that can lead to profound personal growth and improved mental health. By understanding your needs, researching different types of counselors, checking qualifications, and trusting your instincts, you can find a counselor who will provide the support and guidance you need.
Remember, it is okay to test the waters with different therapists. This is not a relationship to “settle” on - the therapeutic relationship is the most important correlation to your change.
Need Help Finding a Therapist?
At G&G our top priority is you finding the right therapist- whether that be within our clinic, or outside of it. If you’re needing support please book a discovery call with the clinic owner and we will be sure to guide you in the right direction!
Phone: 604-418-8827
Email: hello@gatherandground.ca