How to Choose the Right Calgary Therapist?
Among the most important steps you will take in your journey to improving your mental health and wellness is selecting the right Calgary therapist. Building a strong connection with a therapist can be immensely rewarding as it can create a space where you feel heard, respected and seen.
Not connecting with the right therapist can lead to a disappointing treatment experience, which can be discouraging—especially for those who already find it challenging to seek help.
In an effort to try to make the process of finding a therapist less overwhelming and more effective, we have provided guided steps to assist you in your efforts. Even with these steps, finding a professional will require footwork on your part, but finding the right professional to work with can be life changing – literally.
Part 1 - Understanding Your Needs
The first step in finding the right therapist has little to do with the professional, and everything to do with you and the reasons you are seeking therapy. It might sound simple, but this isn’t always easy. When we do consult calls, it is common that the person struggles to name what is wrong and what they want to work on. Sometimes people will feel overwhelmed and will say that they need to work on “everything” while others will say, “I don’t know what I want to change… I just want my life to be better.”
To help you refine your goals, we have provided reflective questions which can help. We encourage you to write out your responses to each question and keep this document with you in your search for the right therapist.
What challenges are you struggling with?
What areas of your life do these challenges show up? (example: work? family? romantic relationships?)
Are you having difficulties with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, a life transition or relationships?
What are your goals for therapy?
Are they specific or more general?
Examples of specific goals include: “I want to overcome anxiety so that I can do better presentations at work or speak at my brother’s wedding”
Examples of more general goals would be: “I want to work on developing a more meaningful life or work to improve my marriage.”
Have you worked with a therapist before? If so, what was helpful or not so helpful about their approach?
Recognizing the ‘why’ in your search can help you focus on professionals who specialize in those areas. For instance, someone dealing with trauma might benefit from a therapist trained in trauma-focused therapies, while someone experiencing relationship issues may want to work with a therapist that specializes in marriage and family therapy.
Knowing your concerns and goals can also be helpful when you are completing consultation calls with potential professionals so that you ask them questions about their therapeutic approach and their expertise in these areas.
Part 2 - Searching for Professionals
Checking with your Insurance
A practical and not so exciting consideration is your health benefits. If you have health benefits or insurance, it is a good idea to call your provider to confirm what types of professionals are covered by your plan. This way you can narrow your search to only those who can provide services that are eligible for reimbursement. This can literally translate into thousands of dollars in cost savings depending on your plan.
Where do I look for Professionals?
After you have identified your goals and areas of concern, how do you start to look for a professional? Well, an easy place to start is asking trusted friends and family members. If you know that a friend or family member has relayed that they have attended therapy and had a positive outcome, you may want to ask them for the name of their therapist.
Family physicians can also be a great source of information. They likely have professionals who have worked with their other patients and may be able to steer you to the names of therapists who they feel have a good track record for success.
Google can be your friend if you know what you are looking for, but there are other directory websites as well, including Psychology Today or professional associations. For example, the Psychologist Association of Alberta has a referral service.
Exploring Therapeutic Approaches
Once you have the names of some professionals and confirmed that they have listed your area of concern as a competency of theirs, you will likely want to learn more about their approach to therapy.
Each therapist will have their own therapeutic approach or orientation that informs the way they practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), for instance, focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. A psychodynamic therapist delves into unconscious patterns and explores how early experiences shape current behaviors and emotions. A humanistic therapist emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and finding meaning in life.
Researching or discussing these approaches with potential professionals can clarify which therapeutic approach resonates most with you, your lived experience and your goals for therapy. This can help make the process more relatable, increase buy-in and help support making change.
Checking Credentials and Experience
It is important to verify that your chosen therapist is licensed to practice in the province where you live. Many therapists display their credentials and areas of expertise on their websites or profiles in professional directories such as Psychology Today. If their credentials are not posted or named, this may be a cause for concern as most professionals tend to display these proudly given the efforts undertaken to become registered with a governing body or association.
As we discussed in a previous blog post on the types of mental health professionals, we strongly recommend working with a therapist who is a member of a registered body or regulatory college. These professionals are required to meet minimum ethical standards in their practice, and this provides a layer of protection for you as the consumer of these services.
Part 3 - The Consultation Call
Now that you have done some self-exploration, answered reflective questions, and researched various therapy professionals and their approaches, you are ready to take the next steps by scheduling a consultation call. This call is an important step in finding the right therapist for you, as it gives you an opportunity to assess if there’s a good fit.
During Consultations
Most therapists offer an initial consultation, which is a great opportunity to determine if they are the right professional for you. During the call, take note of how you feel when speaking with them. Do you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings? Does the approach they specialize in resonate with you? Do you get the sense that you connect with this person? Are they warm, relatable and interested in learning about your goals and needs?
This is also a valuable opportunity to ask questions about the therapist’s education, training, and experience, as well as how they plan to work with you to address your specific concerns. Understanding these elements will not only give you confidence in their expertise, but also help you gauge if their background aligns with your personal goals for therapy.
We encourage you to be cautious when considering therapists who present themselves as a “jack of all trades.” While it may seem appealing to find someone who claims expertise in every area, true competence in therapy requires years of specialized experience, training, ongoing consultation, and supervision. Each area of therapy demands a deep understanding of the specific challenges and techniques needed to effectively support clients. A therapist who claims to be skilled in every issue and therapeutic approach may not have the depth of expertise required to provide quality care in any one area. It’s important to seek out a therapist who specializes in the areas you're dealing with, as they are more likely to offer effective, thoughtful, and competent guidance tailored to your situation or goals.
Being Open to Exploring Options
Therapy is a deeply personal and often transformative experience, and it’s important to recognize that the first therapist you meet might not feel like the right fit. It’s common for people to try working with a few different professionals before finding someone they truly connect with—someone who not only meets their expectations but also understands their unique needs and provides an approach that resonates with them. The process of finding the right therapeutic relationship can take time and patience, and it’s okay to explore different options to find the best match.
Switching therapists doesn’t mean that therapy has failed or that you’re not making progress. In fact, it can be a valuable part of your journey, helping you clarify what you need from therapy, what feels comfortable, and what style of communication or approach works best for you. It’s an opportunity to learn more about yourself and refine what you’re seeking in a therapeutic relationship. Remember, therapy is about you and your personal growth, and finding the right professional to guide you can make a big difference in your healing process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Calgary therapist can be a big decision. Remember, finding the right therapist is a process, and it’s important to find someone who makes you feel supported, respected, and understood. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t give up. Working with a good therapist can be a significant part of your journey towards improving your mental health.
By taking the time to understand your needs, researching professionals and their approaches, you can find a therapist who is well-suited to support you on your journey.
Learn more about how we can help you on your journey to find the right therapist today.
