Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward, Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counselling. They discuss when it might be time to seek counselling, what to look for in a counselor, and share helpful resources for those considering counselling. With personal insights and professional expertise, they explore the value of therapy as a tool for well-being.

Key Discussion Points:

• Personal Journeys with Counselling
  • Both Jessica and Mike share their personal experiences with seeking therapy.
  • The importance of recognizing when to seek help.
• Recognizing When to Seek Counselling
  • Common reasons for accessing therapy (e.g., life transitions, grief, stress, or simply feeling “off”).
  • The misconception that counselling is only for crisis situations.
  • The benefits of early intervention and preventative mental health care.
• Types of Mental Health Professionals & Their Roles
  • Psychiatrists: Medical doctors specializing in mental health; can prescribe medication.
  • Psychologists: PhD-trained professionals focusing on therapy and mental health assessments.
  • Counsellors: Professionals with various designations, all trained to provide mental health support.
• How to Choose a Counsellor
  • The importance of finding the right fit.
  • Questions to ask a potential therapist (e.g., experience, specialties, approach to therapy).
  • Understanding different types of counselling credentials in British Columbia.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & Other Therapeutic Approaches
  • Overview of CBT: A structured, short-term therapy focused on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • The benefits and limitations of CBT.
  • Other therapy types, such as EMDR and somatic experiencing, for trauma-focused work.
  • The importance of selecting the right therapy approach based on individual needs.
• Preparing for Your First Counselling Session
  • Understanding what to expect in the first session.
  • Tips on how to articulate your concerns and goals.
  • Emphasizing that clients have control over their therapy journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Counselling can be beneficial for a wide range of mental health concerns—not just crises.
• There are different types of mental health professionals, and finding the right one is crucial.
• CBT is a widely used therapy but may not be the best fit for everyone.
• Individuals have control over their mental health journey and can explore different approaches.

**Resources Mentioned:
When to get help

https://www.talkspace.com/blog/do-i-need-therapy/

https://ancorawellness.com/you-dont-need-crisis-to-see-counselor/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/202009/7-signs-you-should-talk-therapist

 What is CBT
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/overview/#:~:text=CBT%20aims%20to%20help%20you,on%20issues%20from%20your%20past.

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cognitive-behavioural-therapy#:~:text=CBT%20is%20a%20structured%2C%20time,reactions%20that%20cause%20them%20difficulty.

 Advantages / Disadvantages of CBT

https://www.thecbtclinic.com/pros-cons-of-cbt-therapy/

https://mindvoyage.in/why-cbt-doesnt-work-with-trauma/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/what-therapy-is-and-isnt/202203/cbt-may-be-mistaken-about-mental-illness

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3673298/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3584580/

How to prepare for therapy

https://www.sunlife.ca/en/tools-and-resources/health-and-wellness/mental-wellness/what-you-need-to-know-before-you-see-a-therapist/

https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-therapy-session

Is my therapist right for me?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/supersurvivors/201710/five-questions-decide-if-therapist-is-right-you

https://www.verywellmind.com/7-signs-a-therapist-is-not-the-right-fit-6374190

Thank you for tuning in to A Way Forward Podcast! If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe and share it with others who may benefit. Stay tuned for more conversations on mental health in future episodes.

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A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are trade names of Beem Credit Union