Counsellors and clients work together, and finding a good match is important. The following tips can help you find the right counsellor.

Ask about their areas of expertise

Counsellors have different professional backgrounds and specialties. You want to find a mental health worker who has experience working with your specific condition.

Find out what kinds of therapeutic techniques they use

Ask if those techniques are effective for dealing with your particular mental health problem or issue.

Find out how you’ll evaluate progress

Determine how long the process of counselling is expected to last, and when you should expect to gain relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Don’t be afraid to keep looking

Rapport and trust are essential. Discussions in therapy are deeply personal, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the counsellor you pick.

Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)