How to Find a Counsellor: Three Tips to Find a Counsellor, Therapist or Psychologist
Olds, Alberta is a small town located in the heart of Alberta's prairies in Mountain View County, surrounded by nearby communities of Sundre, Three Hills, Didsbury, Carstairs, Bowden, Innisfail and Water Valley. Olds, Alberta is a unique place to live, boasting a strong agricultural industry, natural beauty with the Rocky Mountains to the west, and a small-town charm. It offers academic programs through Olds College and is a popular healthcare destination with the Olds Hospital. The town also has many parks and outdoor recreational areas, fostering a strong sense of community. Olds, Alberta provides a unique blend of rural charm, academic excellence, and community spirit that makes it a special place to live.
Although Olds, Alberta is a beautiful place to live, everyone faces life's challenges at times. If you are seeking a counsellor, therapist, social worker or psychologist, I want to help you find the right professional to support you.
Tips To find a Counsellor, Therapist or Psychologist in Olds, Alberta or Online
It can feel overwhelming to find someone to talk to when you're stressed or struggling. To help you navigate your options here are some tips that I would give a friend, or family member who is looking for someone to talk to:
Tip 1: Reflect On Your Why for Seeking a Counsellor, Therapist or Psychologist in Olds, Alberta or Online
Consider your main reasons for seeking counselling, whether in Olds, Alberta or online. Identify a couple of areas in your life that you wish were different. Perhaps it is healing from anxiety, depression or trauma that is holding you back from living your best life or showing up in your relationships the way you would like. Maybe your marriage, couple, or significant relationship is struggling. Perhaps you might feel more like roommates- no longer connecting or you are arguing all of the time fearing separation or divorce. Maybe there has been an attachment injury such as a betrayal or affair or maybe there is nothing you can put your finger but you feel stuck having the same conversations over and over again but not getting to the relationship you want to have! It could be your family feels far apart and you long to have fun, connect, laugh and enjoy each other again.
Choose either individual, couple or family counselling that can help you achieve your goal of living the life you love, improving not only your quality of life but your relationships as well. Look at the list of counsellors online or in Olds, Alberta and notice who specializes in the area you are seeking support to narrow down your list. If someone in Olds, Alberta doesn’t specialize in your specific needs, online therapy might be the best fit for you to open up a vast array of options.
Tip 2: The Only Best Counsellor, Therapist, Psychologist in Olds, Alberta or Online, Is the best One for you
It can be helpful to type into Google “Best Counsellor Near Me,” or seek recommendations from friends, family, doctors or allied health professionals. Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision and who works for one person, may not work for someone else. The therapeutic relationship is shown in research to be one of the most important components of good therapy, where you achieve the results you want. As you go through this process come back to yourself, who do you feel comfortable with, and what therapy modality do you want to try.
Consider what you like and what you don't when choosing a counsellor, therapist or psychologist in Olds, Alberta or online. Allow yourself to have permission to be selective and consider what you are looking for in a counsellor, do you prefer a certain level of experience, training or certification, professional or life experience, therapeutic techniques, scheduling timelines, and geographic location? Although finding a counsellor who checks all of these boxes may not be possible, it can help you determine the best fit for you by narrowing it down to those selective areas that mean the most to you.
Tip 3: Book Consultations With Counsellors, Therapists and Psychologists in Olds, Alberta or Online
Connect with a counsellor, therapist and psychologist in Olds, Alberta or online before committing to a session. As you select a few counsellors, therapists and psychologists from the tips above, consider reaching out to connect with them. Most counsellors, therapists and psychologists are happy to offer a phone consultation to ensure you are a good fit to work together. As you talk with them and ask questions, notice how you feel talking with them. If you are looking for examples of questions to ask as you decide if a counsellor, therapist or psychologist is a good fit for you, this article shares some ideas that you might consider.
If you attend a counselling session and you are not sure the counsellor is the right fit for you, don’t be disheartened. It doesn’t mean you made a mistake or that they are not a good counsellor. It simply might mean they were not the best counsellor for what you need at this time. You have choices. One option is to consider having an open conversation with your counsellor about what is and isn’t working for you to see if something can be changed to work for you. If not, notice what you learned from this experience to assist you in making a conscious choice about the best counsellor for you. Don’t give up, you are investing in yourself and with each step, you are closer to finding the best counsellor for you. You get to pick who you want on your team for your healing journey!
A free Counselling consultation in Olds, Alberta
I hope this helps you find the best counsellor, therapist or psychologist for you either in Olds, Alberta or online. If you are feeling overwhelmed, feel free to contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. We’d be happy to hear about what is happening and answer any questions you might have. If you are looking for support with relationship counselling, couples counselling, marriage or family counselling or individual therapy for depression, stress, ADHD, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma and PTSD; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy); or counselling in Olds, Alberta or online in Alberta, you can read more about how we can help here.