Finding the right counsellor

You’ve made the decision to seek support, and the next step is to find the right counsellor for you. A counsellor who fits your needs can help you feel safe, understood, and supported, but how do you know when you've found the right one? Here are some signs to look for:  

1. Feeling Comfortable and Heard  

A strong sign that you’ve found the right counselor is comfort. In your sessions, you should feel heard, not judged. Your counsellor should listen attentively and validate your experiences, even if they challenge you to explore difficult topics. Their approach should make you feel safe to share openly.  

2. Trust and Connection  

Building trust takes time, but if you feel a sense of connection and trust after a few sessions, that’s a good indicator. You should feel confident that your counsellor is working in your best interest. A strong therapeutic alliance can make a significant difference in how successful your treatment is.  

3. Tailored Approach  

The right counsellor will tailor their methods to fit your unique needs and personality. They may use different approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or mindfulness-based practices, depending on what works best for you. They’ll adjust as needed, showing flexibility in their methods.  

4. Progress and Positive Change  

One of the clearest indicators is noticing progress. This could be feeling more empowered, experiencing shifts in perspective, or developing better coping strategies. Even if the process feels slow, a sense of positive change confirms that the counsellor is guiding you in the right direction.  

5. Professional Boundaries  

A good counsellor maintains professional boundaries, ensuring a safe and structured environment. They focus on your well-being without crossing lines that could confuse the therapeutic relationship.  

If these signs resonate with your experience, you've likely found the right counsellor to support your healing journey. 

If you’d like to know more about how I could help, contact me for a no-obligation chat.