Deciding to start therapy is a big step. Finding the right therapist can feel like another one. With so many options in Calgary, it’s normal to feel unsure where to begin. Here are some practical things to consider.
Why Fit Matters
The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of therapy. A large body of research shows that a strong working relationship, sometimes called the therapeutic alliance, is consistently linked with better outcomes (Flückiger et al., 2018). Feeling heard, respected and comfortable matters.
Check Credentials
In Alberta, psychologists must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and you can check a psychologist’s registration on the College’s website. Counselling therapists and social workers may be registered with other professional bodies. It’s always okay to ask a therapist about their training, registration and experience.
Think About What You Need Help With
Different therapists have different areas of focus. Some work mostly with anxiety, trauma, couples, children and teens, perinatal mental health or performance. Consider what’s bringing you to therapy and look for someone with experience in that area.
Consider the Approach
You don’t need to know all the therapy types. But it can help to know a few common ones, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), EMDR for trauma and emotionally focused or Gottman approaches for couples. A good therapist will explain how they work and why.
In Person or Online?
Both can work well. In-person sessions can feel more personal for some people. Online sessions can make therapy easier to fit around work, kids or travel, and let you access therapists from anywhere in Alberta. Think about what will help you show up consistently.
Practical Questions
Cost and coverage: Ask about fees, and check with your extended health benefits about what type of practitioner is covered.
Availability: Ask about wait times and session times that fit your schedule.
Cancellation policy: Know what to expect if you need to reschedule.
Questions to Ask in a Consultation
What experience do you have with what I’m going through?
What would a typical session look like?
How will we know if therapy is helping?
Trust Your Instincts
It’s normal for the first session to feel a little awkward. But if, after a few sessions, you don’t feel comfortable or understood, it’s okay to talk about it with your therapist or to look for someone else. A good therapist will support you in finding the right fit. You can learn more about our approach in our welcome guide and see our clinicians on the team page.
References
Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 316-340.
How Core Psychology Can Help
At Core Psychology, our clinicians offer individual therapy, online counselling and couples therapy, in person in Marda Loop, Calgary, and online across Alberta.
We offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to answer your questions and help you find the right fit. You can also reach us at info@corepsychology.com.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 any time, or call 911.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional assessment or therapy.
