Choosing a Therapist

Therapist training and experience vary widely. A strong educational foundation typically includes graduate-level studies from a recognized university and supervised clinical training.

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Beyond education, therapists bring different types of experience. Some have spent years in public health settings, while others build their careers entirely in private practice.

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To find your best fit, we encourage you to ask potential therapists about their years of experience, areas of clinical focus, and any advanced certifications they hold. You deserve to work with someone whose expertise aligns with your goals.

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You Deserve Quality Care

You are the client—and your needs matter. If therapy isn’t helping, it’s okay to explore other options. The goal is to find help that is effective for you. After all, you wouldn’t keep seeing a mechanic if your car continued to function poorly —therapy should be no different.

Registered Psychologists: These professionals hold a Master’s or PhD in clinical or counseling psychology. They have completed passed rigorous licensing exams and many have had extensive supervised practice.

 

Registered Social Workers (RSW): These professionals hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work. Those designated as Clinical Social Workers have additional specialized training in mental health therapy.

 

Psychiatrists: These are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose complex conditions and prescribe medication.

 

Specialized Therapists: Some professionals have highly focused training in specific areas, such as Certified Marriage and Family Therapists or Registered Art Therapists.

 

Counsellors, Psychotherapists, & Life Coaches: In many regions, these specific titles are not regulated by law. Because of this, the training, education, and experience of individuals using these titles can vary widely. It is always a good idea to ask about their specific credentials.

Regulated health professionals are legally bound to high standards of safety and ethical care. To practice, they must complete approved training, pass licensing exams, and maintain yearly continuing education. They are overseen by regulatory boards that investigate complaints and enforce public safety.

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Unregulated providers operate without this official oversight.

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Choosing a regulated professional guarantees that your provider is fully qualified, continuously vetted, and held accountable for your safety.

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Effective Therapy
Good therapy is more than just a supportive conversation. It should help you build insight, develop new skills, and create meaningful change

If you’re not seeing progress over time, it may be worth reconsidering the fit. The goal of therapy is to get to a place where you no longer need regular therapy sessions.