How do I find the right therapist in Vancouver?

And so here you are, sitting in front of your computer or phone, wondering what to do, you want to feel better, you know you need some help, but you don’t know where to start You are overwhelmed with the thoughts, ideas and feelings about therapy swirling through your head. Where do you start?

Research shows that the best therapist is the one you feel a connection with. This is more important than any particular modality, or type of therapist (social worker or clinical counsellor). And so the best way to start is by selecting three therapists and having a free consultation. You’ll get a sense of their style and approach and who you may feel comfortable with.

Research also shows it is important that the therapist work with an approach and modality that is the right fit for them. So a good question to ask is what they like about it and how it would be useful for what you want to work on.

There are many therapist directories you can check – counsellingbc.com, psychology today, healing in colour, and then of course google, or these days many people are asking AI. Is the location important, that is, should they be close to your home or to work. Would you prefer in person, virtual or the option of both? And what time of day would be best? I strongly recommend not looking for lunch time appointments squeezed into the middle of your work day. Instead think about what you would be doing before and after the session – can you have some space just before to reflect and prepare, and then go for a long walk afterwards? And if you are using extended health insurance, ask your provider first which credentials they cover, the reimbursement per session, and the coverage for the year.

What is also important is the lived experience you carry, and what you would like your therapist to be able to understand about you, what you would like them to reflect back to you, and what you don’t wish to educate them about. It is also ok to ask your therapist about their education, related work experiences and what aspects of lived experience they hold.

I see many clients who are relieved that I am comfortable to talk with them about their lived experience of being racialized, of their sexuality and gender, of class, religion, migration, abilities. I also open about my own identities and how they have impacted my life, I touch on them, name them, but not in a way that takes up too much space. Clients also appreciate that we can talk openly about racism, classism and capitalism, homophobia and heterosexism, transphobia and cissexism, ableism, and all the ways that societal expectations may be causing harm.