How to find a Counsellor in Vancouver
- Thomas Miller
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Looking for a counsellor to support you in Vancouver can be challenging. Whether you're navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or starting a journey of personal growth, finding the right therapist can support you with those experiences. I want to help you find the right counsellor for you and help you learn what red flags to look out for in the process.
Some counsellors offer a free 20-minute consultation to see if you’re a good fit to work together. I encourage you to do a few consults before choosing a counsellor. Consider these a vibe check. Is this person someone you can see yourself sharing the most difficult moments of your life with? Or more simply, is this someone you feel comfortable spending time with? If you feel really comfortable with that person, you will have the emotional safety you need to process challenging moments in your life and experience growth.
Clarify your goals:
Ask yourself if there's something in your life you would like to change. If you’re unsure why you’re seeking out counselling right now, take some time to reflect on that before looking for a therapist. Do you need support coping with anxiety or managing stress? Do you need the space to process childhood trauma? Having a good understanding of what your needs are in the short- and long-term will help you narrow down your search. Maybe you would benefit from someone with specific training in the Gottman Method for couples counselling. Or maybe a generalist who works with a wide range of clients would be best suited to support you.
Are you looking for a specific approach?
There are many different types of therapy. From Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Narrative Therapy, there are too many approaches to describe here. Generally, as long as the type of therapy is supported by research, the approach your counsellor uses is not as important as the relationship you have with them. But if you have previous experience with a certain type of therapy and you either did or did not enjoy that experience, that’s useful for you to know going forward. With that said, unless your therapist is going strictly by the book, you’re unlikely to find two therapists who operate in exactly the same way.
Social Identity and Lived Experience:
Depending on your own social identity and lived experience, those things may be important considerations when choosing a therapist. When selecting a therapist, reflect on if their cultural background, gender, sexuality or religion are important factors for you. Again, the most important part of therapy is that you connect with and feel safe in your relationship with your counsellor. Social identity and lived experience are factors that may support that safety.
Logistics:
Depending on where in the Lower Mainland you live and whether or not you need access to public transit, location may be a key consideration when choosing a therapist. But if you find a therapist who works across town that you connect with, I would encourage you to make that trip if it fits into your life. You might also find one who works down the street from you and that convenience is tough to beat. Cost is a consideration here as well. The BCACC suggests that clinical counsellors charge between $140 and $165 for individual counselling. However, many charge much more than that. Some counsellors have long wait-lists, so finding one with immediate availability might be more helpful for you. Also check on the session length and cancellation policies of your therapist before booking a session.
Where to look:
There are several different directories that I point people towards when they say they’re having trouble looking for a counsellor. The first place many people search is Psychology Today, and that is a great resource but there are others as well, such as TherapyOwl, CounsellingBC and the BCACC’s Find a Counsellor tool. In addition, if you have extended benefits that include counselling coverage, insurers such as Greenshield and SunLife have their own directories of pre-approved counsellors.
The different types of therapists:
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) are registered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and have a master’s degree in counselling. Registered Social Workers (RSW) are registered with the BC College of Social Workers and have a master’s degree in social work. Both RCCs and RSWs support clients with a wide variety of challenges, some have additional training into specific areas like couples counselling or outdoor therapy. Registered Psychologists (RPsych) have a PhD in psychology and are registered with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. Psychologists can diagnose mental health disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They are licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC and can both diagnose mental health disorders and prescribe medications.
Red Flags:
Some red flags to look out for when you’re looking for a therapist include pressuring you into booking sessions right away before you’re ready to make a decision. Most therapists will ask if you would like to book another session with them, but if they try to pressure you into booking more sessions than you’re ready for, that is unethical. If your therapist talks more in session than you do, and especially if they talk a lot about themself, that is a red flag. It’s normal for a therapist to ask lots of questions to get to know you and your experience, and to sometimes share their own personal experience if it relates to something you’re going through, but in general you should always feel like you have the time and space to share what you need to in your sessions. And personally if you feel like you can’t be honest with your therapist that’s a red flag that it’s not a good fit.
In general, trust your gut. If you feel like a counsellor you met with for a consult gets you or understands the challenges you’re facing, you’re off to a good start. And remember you can always try out a counsellor for a session or two and if you realize it wasn’t a good fit after all you can move on to someone else.
If you’re looking for a counsellor in Vancouver, you can book a free consultation with me at this link.
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