What is Counselling?
What is Counselling?
By Christine Ferch
The Counselling Process if you are new to the process, there are likely many feelings and thoughts arising as you begin your healing journey. Reading this information is part of the process of counselling and maybe just your first step into finding the path of healing that is right for you. Many people have different experiences with the therapy process in Kelowna; some are good, and some are bad. Which is why you need to take your time to make the right choice for yourself, yes it might not just be avoiding the daunting experience of finding a counsellor, but just part of your process in finding the right fit. If it is not the right fit, it can impact your connection with the counsellors and your freedom with what you want to disclose. Also, if the counsellor is a terrible fit, it may deter you further from seeking assistance, and that is no good. So, it is okay to do your research, and while you do, keep these things in mind:
- Therapy can be expensive, if you have limited funds, look for free counsellors available in your area
- Check websites for subsidized or sliding scale, senior or student rates
- Different designations often have different rates, so look at all the counsellors within the organizations in your area
- Look for agencies like Orchard Valley who offer free phone consultations with your potential counsellor, this way you get 20 minutes to ask your questions and get a feel for how they interact during this process and if you could do so for an hour
- What does your health insurance cover as some plans only cover specific designations (see blog “What is a Counsellor”, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Social Worker for more information this topic)
Finding a counsellor is a process whether you live in the Okanagan or you live in Vancouver, and it can be daunting given the amount of information one must know:
- When looking online try specific websites like Psychology Today this site provides thorough profiles of what counsellors in your area offer in terms of therapy style, the counsellor’s picture is also often displayed
- Do some research on what you may want to address, are your thoughts bothering you, are you struggling with regulating emotions? Do you find you lack a sense of purpose? Are you addressing trauma? This can help filter out whom you do not need to look at. If you are struggling with life transitions, you may not need to look at a profile for a grief counsellor
- Check out the agencies websites, and for each of our counsellors at Orchard Valley Counselling Services, there is a mini-biography of their education and ways they can address your needs and help you achieve your goals
- Location, dates, times and waitlists are also essential to ask about. Make sure the counsellor you find is accessible, if you can, make sure they are within a decent driving range and have dates and times which are convenient for your schedule. Also, some places have waitlists, so it is essential to inquire about this.
- As previously mentioned, the websites will also let you know what designation the counsellor holds for insurance purposes. If you know you are covered for a social worker, you do not need to look at profiles for the other designations unless you are okay with paying out of pocket.
When I speak to clients for the first time, the counselling process is as follows:
- Addressing the desire to complete a complimentary phone consultation to address any questions the client may have and to determine if the client feels safe with speaking to me.
- A phone consultation can address background information, context, preexisting mental health concerns, any questions or concerns the client has
- Asking the client about health insurance to make sure they are covered correctly
- We discuss any questions about fees and billing such as direct billing with some insurance companies
- Location, dates, and times which work best for the client
- Booking the appointment and setting them up in the booking system
Often for clients who are starting, I suggest they take some time to think about the conversation and if they felt they would be able to disclose information and be vulnerable. Safety and trust are essential to therapeutic rapport, so it is important not to rush the process. There will be times when a counsellor may challenge your process, and it may put a crack in the rapport, and the strength of the relationship will determine if the crack is sealed. Change is hard and respect and nonjudgement from counsellors, while a client moves through the cycle of change, is essential to growth.
I hope this has been helpful and eases some worries and fears about the process. Remember, it is okay to find the right fit!
For more information or have any questions please contact us at admin@ovcs.ca.
Check out my other blogs on related mental health topics 😊 Learn more about Online Clinical Counselling in Kelowna and West Kelowna.
