Published: 31 March 2014

VAUGHAN, Ontario

Many individuals inquire about what the possible outcome would be for people who attend counselling. According to the text ‘Counselling Skills’ by John McLeod, there are three broad categories of potential counselling outcomes:

Resolution to the problem/issue: Obtaining a resolution may look like understanding and gaining perspective of the concern; developing personal acceptance for the problem; and/or creating a plan of action to change the situation creating or influencing the problem.

Learning: Counselling may help the individual develop or acquire new understanding, skills or strategies that may help them better able to handle similar issues or concerns in the future. The client/patient may learn more about themselves, their habits, or patterns that may be keeping them ‘stuck’ or isolated. Learning may also include perspective of who they want to be.

Social engagement and inclusion: Counselling may stimulate energy and capacity for individuals who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives. It may provide them with perspective that may be difficult to think of on their own. Counselling provides a forum where people can be heard with out judgment, discrimination, or detriment.

John McLeod states, “most of the time, the effect of counselling is to make a difference to the person, in the sense of enabling them to move forward in their life. (McLeod 2013)” 

Our Maple and Vaughan counselling centres are here to help you make an informed decision regarding your counselling needs. Please feel free to call us and ask us questions about choosing a therapist in our community. Will be more than happy to take the time to answer any questions you may have. 

Published: 27 March 2014

VAUGHAN, Ontario

April 6, 2014

Once you’ve found a therapist that you feel comfortable with, it’s important that you spend time talking to them about issues you believes are influencing your feelings/symptoms. Please do not feel embarrassed to tell the truth. The therapist is there to listen and tell you what he/she has heard. You are attending counselling for your own healing and to have understanding about what has brought you to this point in your life. Remember our group of therapist are here to help! 

Published: 23 March 2014

Choosing a Therapist - Questions to Ask a Therapist – Part #4

VAUGHAN, Ontario

Max Becker’s Text, ‘A Book of Help’ provides an excellent list of questions to ask a therapist before you actually meet. Here is a summary:

• What type of training do you have working with individuals with my concern?
• What is your philosophy (theoretical orientation)?
• What are your fees? Do you accept insurance?
• What’s your experience working with individuals who have come to you with my concern?
• What treatment approach would you use?
• How long do you usually see clients with these issues?
• Are you available for phone calls? Appointments on short notice?
• What would be my responsibility as a client/patient

Max provides questions you consider asking yourself when the initial phone call or session has completed.

• What was initially feeling when I spoke to this person?
• How comfortable was I speaking to this individual?
• Did I receive any help?
• Were my questions answered warming and openly?
• Did the person listen to my concerns?
• Did they seem honest, open and respectful?
• Did this person encourage me to solve problems on my own?
• Did they seem judgmental?
• Did they offer advice? (remember, no therapist should offer you advice)

Please remember that our counselling centres located in Vaughan and Maple, Ontario are here to help you find a therapist in the community. We are here to provide you with any assistance we can. We want you to receive expert counselling care in an environment of respect and accountability. Let us know how we can help. Our therapists/counsellors want to help.