Finding a counselor is quite easy; the challenge is finding the right one. Many people keep asking themselves this question and they end up losing time that by the time they seek help, their condition has deteriorated. Getting help in good time is very important, so do not was more time. The guidelines below will help you get the best counselling psychologist Calgary has.
Check if the counselor has a graduate degree at the minimum. You would want to deal with a professional. There are many people who call themselves professionals in this field simply because they have attended a few seminars and have learned a particular therapeutic approach. Get someone who is formally trained in relevant fields such as psychology, counseling, social work, and family and marriage therapy.
Humans have a very complex mind. Even with the best machines and equipment, it has never been fully studied. However, a psychologist with a degree is better placed to diagnose and deal with many of the psychological problems that people encounter. Without proper diagnosis, the problem could keep recurring, which can be damaging.
Ensure that the counselor is licensed. Most psychologists work alongside other health professionals and they are normally attached to hospitals. If you are going as a private client, however, you must check their credentials on your own. A license give one the legal freedom to practice, but this does not indicate competence. It is only a gesture of compliance with state requirements. Because it is not mandatory, many counselors, especially those who are highly experienced, may not have a license.
Ensure that the professional adheres to the principles of ethics. There are boundary, confidentiality, and dual relationships guidelines that must be observed during the entire period of treatment. This ensure that the client maintains autonomy and is treated with the required level of respect so as not to jeopardize the treatment process. Entering into any kind of relationship with a patient, therefore, is highly unprofessional and unethical.
It is not appropriate for psychologist to make promises. No one can tell how a particular individual would respond to treatment. Promising a patient on an unknown outcome is unethical because some people may not respond to particular approaches as expected. One may try several methods before finding one that works. Some individual may even fail to respond to all types of treatment.
Ask the therapist how often he takes continued classes. This is a field where learning never stops. There are new problems that emerge every day and they may not respond to current treatment methods. Peer consultation, therefore, is highly recommended, as it will help the professional to widen his or her level of knowledge and become better.
Experience is also necessary. A fresh graduate relies a lot on theory, but as one soon discovers, education is only a benchmark. It is a guide on what one should do. The real study takes place during practice. Therefore, the more one has practiced, the more knowledgeable he/she should be.
Make sure that the expert has no complaints against him or her. Check with the licensing board. If you find any, choose another individual.
Check if the counselor has a graduate degree at the minimum. You would want to deal with a professional. There are many people who call themselves professionals in this field simply because they have attended a few seminars and have learned a particular therapeutic approach. Get someone who is formally trained in relevant fields such as psychology, counseling, social work, and family and marriage therapy.
Humans have a very complex mind. Even with the best machines and equipment, it has never been fully studied. However, a psychologist with a degree is better placed to diagnose and deal with many of the psychological problems that people encounter. Without proper diagnosis, the problem could keep recurring, which can be damaging.
Ensure that the counselor is licensed. Most psychologists work alongside other health professionals and they are normally attached to hospitals. If you are going as a private client, however, you must check their credentials on your own. A license give one the legal freedom to practice, but this does not indicate competence. It is only a gesture of compliance with state requirements. Because it is not mandatory, many counselors, especially those who are highly experienced, may not have a license.
Ensure that the professional adheres to the principles of ethics. There are boundary, confidentiality, and dual relationships guidelines that must be observed during the entire period of treatment. This ensure that the client maintains autonomy and is treated with the required level of respect so as not to jeopardize the treatment process. Entering into any kind of relationship with a patient, therefore, is highly unprofessional and unethical.
It is not appropriate for psychologist to make promises. No one can tell how a particular individual would respond to treatment. Promising a patient on an unknown outcome is unethical because some people may not respond to particular approaches as expected. One may try several methods before finding one that works. Some individual may even fail to respond to all types of treatment.
Ask the therapist how often he takes continued classes. This is a field where learning never stops. There are new problems that emerge every day and they may not respond to current treatment methods. Peer consultation, therefore, is highly recommended, as it will help the professional to widen his or her level of knowledge and become better.
Experience is also necessary. A fresh graduate relies a lot on theory, but as one soon discovers, education is only a benchmark. It is a guide on what one should do. The real study takes place during practice. Therefore, the more one has practiced, the more knowledgeable he/she should be.
Make sure that the expert has no complaints against him or her. Check with the licensing board. If you find any, choose another individual.
