FAQ's about Counselling Therapy
Birgit Schinke
How do I find a counselling therapist?
The best way is by word of mouth. You can also call your local crisis line, ask your doctor, or look at the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselor's (BCACC) web site. You may also have an EAP service as part of your benefit package at work.
How do I know if I've found the right therapist?
If it feels right; like a new pair of shoes a good fit is essential. A therapist should be regulated by their professional association, and that information should be offered upfront. A therapist should not tell you what to do and you should never feel forced or controlled by your therapist. They should also answer your questions in an open way. A therapist should never become your friend or ask you to do something other than attend counselling with them.
How do I know if my sessions are kept private?
You should receive an informed consent which tells you how confidentiality is handled. You can also ask to look at your files to see if you are in agreement with any information written about you. You must sign an ROI (Release of Information) in order for your therapist to talk to anyone on your behalf. All files must be kept under lock & key.
What are my rights as a client?
You must be treated respectfully at all times. You can always ask questions. You can refute ideas or suggestions any time. You can end the counselling relationship at any time. Except for certain limits you can expect confidentiality. Your files will always be kept secure.
How do I get the most out of therapy?
In my opinion, I would make the therapy a priority by thinking about your sessions in between appointments and trying to implement what you have learned about yourself. I would always do any homework suggested by your therapist and also journal between sessions. If your counsellor/therapist angers (triggers you) you or doesn't make sense you must talk to them about this as they can't can't read your mind. I believe that following up on triggers can always yield useful insights about self.
The best way is by word of mouth. You can also call your local crisis line, ask your doctor, or look at the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counselor's (BCACC) web site. You may also have an EAP service as part of your benefit package at work.
How do I know if I've found the right therapist?
If it feels right; like a new pair of shoes a good fit is essential. A therapist should be regulated by their professional association, and that information should be offered upfront. A therapist should not tell you what to do and you should never feel forced or controlled by your therapist. They should also answer your questions in an open way. A therapist should never become your friend or ask you to do something other than attend counselling with them.
How do I know if my sessions are kept private?
You should receive an informed consent which tells you how confidentiality is handled. You can also ask to look at your files to see if you are in agreement with any information written about you. You must sign an ROI (Release of Information) in order for your therapist to talk to anyone on your behalf. All files must be kept under lock & key.
What are my rights as a client?
You must be treated respectfully at all times. You can always ask questions. You can refute ideas or suggestions any time. You can end the counselling relationship at any time. Except for certain limits you can expect confidentiality. Your files will always be kept secure.
How do I get the most out of therapy?
In my opinion, I would make the therapy a priority by thinking about your sessions in between appointments and trying to implement what you have learned about yourself. I would always do any homework suggested by your therapist and also journal between sessions. If your counsellor/therapist angers (triggers you) you or doesn't make sense you must talk to them about this as they can't can't read your mind. I believe that following up on triggers can always yield useful insights about self.