At Family TLC, we see our counselling clients as strong people who are investing in their own wellness and actively participating in their self-improvement – despite any stigma that still exists about asking for help.

Once you’re ready to seek that help, your next step is to find the right therapist for you. Here are some suggestions to help with that process:

• Ask family and friends: Ask those who are in therapy how they were able to find a therapist and if they like their therapist. If they do, find out what exactly it is they like about them and see if their therapist would be willing to give you a list of referrals. If none of your friends are in therapy then you can always get referrals by calling institutes (e.g., Jungian/Psychodynamic/Psychoanalytic) to find therapists in your area. Many of these institutes provide an intake to match you with a therapist in your area who can help you overcome the obstacles you are facing.

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There is an unfortunate stigma that can surround counselling. Those who seek help are seen as weak or out of control. Even though few people would hesitate to go to the doctor or emergency room for a physical ailment, there can still be prejudice against those who are getting help for their minds.

Thankfully, with increasing media attention being drawn towards mental health, the power of these stigmas have begun to fade. Here are some common myths we can debunk about counselling:

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What exactly is a therapist, what do they do, what kind of background do they have, and how do I know if they’re any good? If you’re considering hiring a therapist, you probably have some of these questions.

Let’s look first at what is a therapist. Right now, the term therapist is used interchangeably with other terms like counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker, psychologist, and marriage and family therapist.

Psychologists and social workers are the only regulated professionals, meaning they have a governing body, which is somewhere the public can report problems. In Ontario, they’re developing a college of psychotherapists and mental health therapists that will be a governing body and an umbrella for psychotherapists, chaplains, music therapists, art therapists and others, for the purpose of regulating those professions and providing more protection for the public. [Read more…]

At Family TLC it is important to us that you get the most of your first and every counselling session. We encourage you to do the following five things to prepare:

1. Do your homework. Answer all questions on the Intake form in detail so your therapist can review in advance. Read through our “Information for Clients” and “Practice and Privacy Policies.” By completing all of this ahead of time, you can ensure that your counselling session can focus on answering your questions and commencing the therapeutic process.
2. Write down any questions you have. This will help you remember your priorities even when you’re caught up in the moment at your appointment.
3. Embrace your nervousness. It is normal to feel nervous when you meet someone for the first time, and it’s actually a very positive sign because it shows that you care about the process. If you are invested in your counselling you will be more successful. Be assured that your counsellor is highly trained and experienced in making people feel comfortable.
4. Congratulate yourself. At Family TLC our clients are all successful people who, like you, are investing in themselves by taking the time to get expert help and create a plan for success.
5. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish through counselling. Remember to frame it in the positive. Rather than saying, “I want to deal with my anxiety,” say, “I want to live each day feeling relaxed and calm.” If you know where you are going it is much easier to get there.

Congratulations on being motivated enough to take the first steps towards dealing with your concerns. We are confident that you and your specialist will work well together at creating long-lasting solutions.