How to Choose the Right Counselor for Your Needs

Written By Jadon Ward

Choosing a counselor is a deeply personal decision. The right fit can provide you with a supportive space to explore your emotions, work through challenges, and grow. With so many options available, the process can feel overwhelming. However, by focusing on your needs and prioritizing connection, you can find a counselor who aligns with your goals and values.

Start with Your Needs

Begin by reflecting on why you’re seeking counseling. Are you looking for help with anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, or personal growth? Understanding your primary concerns can guide you toward a counselor who feels right for your journey.

Rather than getting caught up in labels or specific approaches, think about the type of support you’d like. Do you need someone who offers gentle guidance or a more structured approach? Are you seeking a space to express your feelings freely or someone to help you strategize and problem-solve? Being clear about what you need can help you identify the right match.

Connection is Key

One of the most important factors in successful counseling is the connection between you and your counselor. A strong therapeutic relationship fosters trust, safety, and openness. When you meet or speak with a potential counselor, pay attention to how you feel in their presence.

Do you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and emotions? Do they listen attentively and respond with empathy? The right counselor will create an environment where you feel seen and valued. Trust your instincts—if the connection doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to explore other options.

Focus on How They Make You Feel

While methods and techniques can be helpful, what often matters most is how a counselor makes you feel. Do you feel heard and understood? Are they able to hold space for your emotions without judgment? A good counselor will meet you where you are, offering support and guidance that feels tailored to your unique situation.

It’s also important to feel a sense of collaboration. Counseling works best when you and your counselor work together to identify goals and explore solutions. Look for someone who respects your autonomy and invites you to take an active role in the process.

Consider Their Approach

Every counselor brings their own style and perspective to the table. Some may focus on practical tools for managing stress or anxiety, while others might explore deeper patterns and emotions. While you don’t need to know all the details about therapeutic approaches, it can be helpful to consider what resonates with you.

For example, if you’re looking for immediate strategies to cope with challenges, you might appreciate a more solution-focused approach. If you’re seeking deeper self-understanding, a counselor who focuses on exploration and reflection could be a better fit. Don’t hesitate to ask about their general approach and how they tailor their work to individual clients.

Listen to Yourself

The process of choosing a counselor is as much about intuition as it is about information. Pay attention to how you feel before, during, and after your interactions with a potential counselor. If you leave a consultation feeling hopeful, supported, or even curious, that’s often a good sign.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s worth reflecting on what might be missing. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding someone whose energy and communication style align with your own.

Be Patient with the Process

Finding the right counselor can take time, and that’s okay. It’s not uncommon to try a few sessions with different professionals before finding the one that feels like the best fit. Each step in the process helps you get clearer about what you’re looking for and what you need.

Remember, it’s okay to move on if you realize a particular counselor isn’t right for you. The goal is to find someone who makes you feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Prioritize the Relationship

At the heart of counseling is a relationship built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect. The right counselor will honor your experiences, offer guidance without judgment, and encourage you to grow in your own way.

While practical considerations like availability or location may play a role, what truly matters is finding someone who feels like a partner in your healing journey. By focusing on connection and how they make you feel, you’re more likely to find a counselor who supports you in meaningful ways.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a counselor is a significant step in caring for your mental and emotional well-being. It’s not about finding the "perfect" person—it’s about finding someone who feels right for you. Trust yourself, take your time, and know that with the right support, healing and growth are within reach.

Nicole Del Aguila, BA, MA (Cand.)

Nicole joins Evergreen Counselling Group as a practicum student having completed the academic requirements of her Master of Counselling Degree. She believes in empowering clients by helping them identify their strengths and develop practical strategies to overcome challenges, fostering a positive and proactive approach to mental health.

Learn more about Nicole

Book with Nicole today!

Do you have something you want to share?

We'd love to hear about it. If you want to share your story, or want to connect about counselling services, please fill out the contact form below!

Evergreen Counselling Group is proud to serve the communities of Kelowna, Vernon, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Armstrong, and the rest of the North Okanagan and Central Okanagan Regional Districts. “We acknowledge that our business is located on the traditional, ancestral, unseeded territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.”

Jadon Ward
Next

Practical Self-Care Tips for a Busy Lifestyle