Counsellor and Client “Fit”

ByAnne Fuller

The “fit” between you and your counsellor is a strong predictor of success in counselling. This quick article outlines the key factors to look for in a counsellor and what questions to consider during and after a consultation.

What is involved in the “fit”?

There are basically 3 factors that are important to the “fit”:

  • Client perception: Do you feel heard, understood and respected by your counsellor?
  • Counselling goals: Do the goals match up between the you and your counsellor?
  • Therapy approach and method selection: Is it working for you based on your goals?

How do you know if the fit is working?

So how do you know if the fit between you and the counsellor will have these three important ingredients?  Most counsellors offer the opportunity to meet for a 15-20 minute free consultation before starting counselling sessions. If you have the opportunity to participate in a consultation, first take some time to consider what you hope to achieve by going to counselling. Are there any styles or approaches you think might work best for you? Carefully read the counsellor’s online profile and jot down any questions you have about their experience and their approach.

During and after your consultation call, reflect on the following questions:

  • Do I feel a sense of ease or comfort when interacting with the counsellor?
  • Does the counsellor have experience working with others in the areas of concern that I have identified?
  • Do I feel ready, willing and able to be in counselling and participate in the counselling process? 
  • Do I feel an absence of judgment from the counsellor?
  • Do I feel comfortable talking, sharing and opening up? If not, can I foresee this happening eventually?

How to get help choosing the right counsellor

At Waypoint Counselling Network, we know finding the right therapist is the most important step in seeking help. We also know that it can take some time to really get started. There can be so many choices of counsellors when doing a google search that it can be overwhelming. Ironically, there are so many counsellors to choose from, it makes it difficult to find the right one!

We have over 2 dozen counsellors, with a wide range of experience and approaches. So, we make it easier to help you find the right match to the right counsellor in Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna or online anywhere in BC.  All of our counsellors offer online counselling via phone or video and some offer in-person sessions.
And all of them offer a free consultation.

If you want help selecting the right counsellor, simply complete our matching questionnaire. OR you can use the filter on our home page to find counsellors that have the expertise you are looking for. And if for whatever reason, the fit doesn’t feel right after the consult or even after you begin counselling, we will work with you to find the right counsellor for you.

Because in counselling, fit matters! 

Anne has been instrumental in helping to make Waypoint Counselling Network one of the most respected locally-owned mental health clinics in the area. She has helped match hundreds of clients to counsellors and follows up with them throughout their counselling journey. She is very knowledgeable about the challenges faced by clients in finding a counsellor that fits with their diverse needs and she knows that maintaining the momentum in the counselling is key. Before helping to create Waypoint over ten years ago, Anne was a senior public health nurse in First Nations communities and in East Vancouver and was a policy advisor for BC Government.