Stop Googling “ Therapist Near Me.” Your Guide to Confidently Finding A Therapist.

Starting therapy doesn’t have to be confusing. Our goal is to empower you with the information so that you feel in control.

Starting therapy can be downright overwhelming, and at Better Days Counselling & Psychotherapy, we understand that. To make starting therapy less daunting, we have broken it to make finding a therapist more approachable so that you can stop googling “therapist near me”. With this step-by-step guide, we hope to empower you to find a therapist who works best for you and your needs!

1.Start Your Search 

You're ready for support, but how does one even find a therapist?

When searching for a therapist, it's normal to feel confused and overwhelmed, especially if you just type in “therapist near me” into Google. Many people struggle to find the right therapist for their needs, which can be an obstacle in seeking support. Clients have told us they've been thinking about starting therapy for months, but didn't know how to begin!

When looking for a therapist, it's important to find someone who specializes in the area you need help with. Therapists have different areas of focus and expertise. 

To find the right support, it's important to look for someone who understands your situation and has experience helping others facing similar concerns. It's also crucial that you feel at ease with this person. To determine if they're a good match for you and can offer the aid you need, consider scheduling a free consultation.

Our Top Recommendations for Where to Find a Therapist

• Therapists directories (e.g. Psychology Today)

• Recommendations from friends, family members, or colleagues*

• Speaking to your family doctor

Some Helpful Questions to Ask Yourself During Your Search:

• Does this therapist have experience with the issue that is bringing you to therapy?

• Do I get the sense that they understand what I am going through and get me?

• If there are specific therapeutic approaches that you gravitate to, do they use them in their practice?

• Is there professional designation covered by your extended health benefits, if applicable?

*While you likely won't be able to see their therapists because of a conflict of interest, their therapist might have recommendations or other therapists at the clinic who could support you!

2. Schedule a Free Consultation

Now that I have narrowed down my list, how do I pick the right one?

To ensure that you find the right therapist for you, it's best to arrange a free consultation. During this time, you can see if they are a good match and ask any questions you have before starting therapy. Finding a therapist who is compatible with you is essential in achieving your therapy goals. Even if it takes a few attempts, don't be disheartened in your search. We guarantee that it's worth the effort!

Helpful Questions to Ask During a Consultation

• What does progress look like?

• How many sessions on average do clients attend?

• How often do you see your clients?

• What is your availability?

• What is your fee?

Some Things to Consider After the Consultation 

• Is this someone I would feel comfortable being vulnerable with?

• Does their approach to therapy resonate with me?

• Do you think this therapists could help you achieve your therapy goals?

3. Start Therapy

Here is where the magic happens.

The first therapy session often looks different than a typical therapy session. At Better Days Counselling & Psychotherapy we describe the first session as building the foundation of a house. Our goal is to gain a comprehensive comprehension of all relevant aspects to enhance our understanding of your current situation and potential underlying factors. During our session, we will discuss various topics such as your childhood, family, friends, education, work experience, and mental health history. Remember, how much you share and when you share is up to you! You're in control. 

At the end of our first session, we will talk about your therapy goals. These goals will guide our future sessions, where we will use various strategies, skills, and reflection to work towards achieving them. To determine your counselling goals, you may want to ask yourself, "How will I know when my work in therapy is done?"

4. Work Towards Your Counselling Goals 

How will I know when it's time to end therapy?

At Better Days Counselling & Psychotherapy, we don't want you to get stuck in therapy forever. Instead, we want to help you develop the tools that you need to navigate whatever is thrown your way. We use a goal-oriented approach to track your progress and celebrate when you reach your therapy goals. We don't shy away from talking about the end of therapy and we love nothing more than a good termination session where we can reflect on the progress you have made and the skills you've developed.

If you ever need more support or want to learn new skills in the future, you can always book another session. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our clients so they don't have to go through the process of finding a new therapist when they need additional support. 

Ready to Meet with a Therapist for a Free Consultation?

At Better Days Counselling & Psychotherapy, our team of skilled and empathetic therapists support young professionals experiencing anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and relationship concerns (e.g. breakups, infidelity, communication, etc.). We offer daytime and evening availability to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists today! Visit betterdaystherapy.janeapp.com or email info@betterdaystherapy.com