If you have been struggling with anxiety and depression for awhile now, but don’t know how to go about finding a good therapist here in BC, I’ve outlined some primary considerations and some food for thought in your process to find a good fit.

As a therapist, I have some tips that might help you get started. I have a private on-line virtual practice in Victoria, BC serving Clients in British Columbia and Ontario. I am a Registered as Social Worker (RSW) in both BC and ON.

Becoming involved in psychotherapy can help you develop skills and confidence to deal with the mental health challenges that you are facing. A good therapist can guide you in making changes that can help you for life.

Considerations For Choosing A Good Therapist

Types Of Therapy

One of the first considerations in selecting a skilled therapist is to research what types of therapy might be beneficial. There are many different therapeutic modalities and some may be better suited to your needs and goals than others. Many therapists have training and expertise in a variety of therapies. I have outlined below the main therapeutic approaches I draw from.

Therapeutic Approaches

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Somatic Therapy

Solution Focused Therapy

Check Out Credentials

When you are deciding on a therapist, make sure that you check their credentials to determine they are qualified to help you. In BC and ON, we have professional bodies that ensure individuals have the education and training to engage in such work. As a Social Worker, I am regulated by the British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW). I also have outlined my education, special training and experience on my website.

Ask Questions To Ensure You Found A Good Fit

If you have found a therapist that you think might be able to help you, but are not sure, it is a good idea to ask the potential therapist some questions …

Do you have experience in dealing with people that have similar challenges?

Can you describe your approach in sessions?

How many years have you been engaged in providing therapy?

In my practice, I offer potential clients a complimentary 15 minute consultation (Meet & Greet) to allow for questions of this nature and also to help the client decide if they might feel comfortable working with me.

Determine Your Benefit Coverage & Budget

Prior to scheduling an appointment with a therapist, you should find out if you are covered for counselling or therapy by your insurance provider. Some benefit packages only cover therapy provided by a psychologist while other plans will reimburse for services offered by social workers and clinical counsellors. That information will help you in selecting a potential therapist as well the number of sessions you can afford.

Think About What You Want To Achieve From Therapy

**It’s ok to take time to heal**

*Your Mental Wellbeing Matters*

It can be really difficult to narrow things down when you are feeling overwhelmed with everything in your life. But it sometimes helps if you can think about what you might want to focus on the most. Some issues that you may be struggling with:

Stress Management

Depression

Anxiety

Life Transitions

Relationships Challenges

Grief and Loss

Trauma

Interpersonal Relationships

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Motivation

Personal Growth

Even if you are unable to pinpoint what you want help with but know that you would like to talk to someone, a good therapist can help guide you in identifying goals and treatment strategies. A good therapist will likely also have specialized training and skills to help you deal with your unique challenges.

The process of finding a therapist that feels like a “good fit” can take some trial and error. It is expected that you may need to try out more than one therapist to find someone who feels right for you. But once you find a therapist you connect with you have the opportunity to experience a working relationship that can make a real difference in your life.

Finding A Good Therapist in BC-Primary Considerations & Some Food for Thought