One of the things I hate shopping for the most is jeans, it can be really difficult to find the right size, cut and length and then it takes FOREVER to break them in. Mostly I go from store to store with my frustration increasing and my blood pressure rising. But on those rare occasions when the fit is just right, magic happens.
This process is not all that different from finding the therapist that is right for you. One of the hardest parts about starting therapy is choosing a therapist. This process can be over overwhelming and honestly, more than a little intimidating. Right fit is more important than any therapy modality so it is really important that you know where and how to find a therapist that is right for you.
Psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist, social worker-what is the difference and what is the big deal? If you are seeking an assessment, diagnosis or prescription for an individual under the age of 18 years old you should consult a psychologist. If you are seeking an assessment, diagnosis or prescription for an individual over the age of 18 years old you should consult a psychiatrist. If you are seeking to relieve stress, anxiety, enhance communication, reduce anger, address trauma, improve depression or boost self-esteem you should seek a counsellor, social worker or psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy became a regulated profession in Ontario in December 2019, this means that only individuals with the necessary qualifications and registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) can legally use the term psychotherapist. There are minimum educational requirements, continuing education requirements, assessments, experience and supervision requirements and adherence to a code of ethics that an individual must comply with in order to be in good standing with the college. Psychotherapists cannot diagnose, provide assessments or prescribe medication, what we can do is utilize talk-based therapy to initiate positive change in the client’s thinking, feeling, behaviour and social functioning. You can verify that your selected psychotherapist is regulated by visiting this link; https://www.crpo.ca/find-a-registered-psychotherapist/ .It is possible that someone using the tile of “counsellor” is not a regulated health care professional in Ontario and may not be covered through insurance or BlueCross, so make sure that you verify your practitioner’s credentials before starting therapy.
Opening up to a stranger can be daunting and even a little scary. It may take several appointments for some people to determine a “right” fit with your therapist (not unlike those perfect jeans), but for others, the connection may be instant (if this were to ever happen with pants, I would buy multiple pairs on the spot!) This is one of the reasons that we offer free consultations, to ensure that you are matched with the therapist best suited to you. If you are unsure, feel it out, ask questions and try to decipher if it is a poor fit or nerves that are making you uneasy. Signs that your therapist may not be the right fit include feelings of discomfort, judgement or unease. Listen to your gut. While it can be discouraging to have to connect with a new therapist, ultimately, it is likely in your best interest to move on if you feel that something is off. When your therapist is a good match, you will typically feel validated, supported, safe and most important; comfortable..and nothing beats that comfortable, right fit.
Lisa Bell
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