New Beginnings

January can bring a feeling of a fresh start with the new year. For some people there can be a desire to focus (or re-focus) on themselves and perhaps start new habits that support their physical and mental health. A new year can also mean a new batch of employee benefits which can be used towards paying for counselling sessions. If starting counselling is something you have been considering, here are some ideas to support you on your journey of self-exploration and healing.

What Counselling Really Is

Counselling is a confidential space where you can talk openly about what’s going on in your life, such as thoughts, feelings, relationships, stressors, and questions. A counsellor’s role is not to judge, diagnose you, or tell you what to do. Instead, we listen carefully, help you make sense of your experiences, and work with you to build skills or insights that feel useful for you. You do not need to be in a crisis, have a clear goal, or the “right words” to begin. It is okay to show up and say, “I’m not sure where to start” and you and your counsellor can explore it together.

With Google at our fingertips, you can do a quick search and be overwhelmed with lists of counsellors. Here are some tips for where to find a counsellor:

-It can help to narrow your search filter down, so you have less volume to sift though. For example, are you looking for someone trained in a particular therapeutic modality? Or with experience providing support for a specific issue?

-A good place to start is: https://bcacc.ca/counsellors/  Any counsellor who is registered with the B.C Association of Clinical Counsellors can have their profile listed on the BCACC website.

-Talk to your friends, colleagues, or doctor and see if they have any recommendations/referrals

-Another reliable website to check out is Psychology Today, since counsellors have to add their credentials and years of experience: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca 

-Take the time to do the free consultation call. Sometimes you need to chat with a few counsellors to get a sense of what you are looking for.

Most counsellors offer a free consultation call to see if working together feels like a good fit. Taking the step to talk to someone can feel scary at first, so I would recommend doing a consult call. This allows you to ask any questions you might have and get a vibe check to see what talking to them feels like. Some ideas to cover during the consult call:

-Throughout the call, notice how you feel while talking to the counsellor. Is there a sense of ease and a feeling like this person could be a good fit for you?

-What is their availability? Office location? Do they offer virtual or in person sessions?

-What is their style of working with clients? Are they trained in a certain type of therapy?

-You might share a bit about what kind of support you are looking for. Do they have experience working with these concerns?

-What is their cancellation policy?

-How long are sessions, and how often do people usually come?

-What might sessions typically look like?

-What are their rates?

Once you book your first appointment, it can be helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you want to talk about or get support with. Preparing for the first session could include asking yourself:

-What prompted me to make an appointment?

-What areas do I want support with?

-Is it easier for me to write my thoughts down ahead of the appointment?

-What are my goals or things I want to work on?

-Is there a skill or topic I want to learn more about?

-Would I prefer to meet in person or online?

-How will I take care of myself after the first session?

It is okay to contact more than one counsellor or to have an initial session and decide it’s not the right match. That can be part of the process.

A Few Gentle Reminders

-You do not have to know exactly what you want to work on.

-You are allowed to take things at your own pace.

-Counselling is a collaboration, not a test.

-Needing support does not mean something is “wrong” with you, it means you are human.

Starting counselling is an act of care. Whether you are feeling overwhelm

ed, curious, stuck, or just wanting someone neutral to talk to, you deserve a space where your experiences are taken seriously. If you are thinking about starting, that thought itself is already a meaningful first step.

As always, please reach out if you want to connect,

Lisa xo