How to Choose a Therapist
Going to therapy for the first time can feel overwhelming in many ways, but there are a few steps you can take to help make the process a little easier.
One of the first steps is finding the right therapist for you. Easier said than done – until now!
Ask yourself these questions:
What am I struggling with right now?
Even if you can’t pinpoint the exact issue, you probably know what’s bothering you in general. For example, maybe you're feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, have low self-esteem, or have relational issues. Knowing what’s bothering you will help you choose the most helpful therapist for those issues.
How would you prefer to talk to a therapist?
Some people like to chat in person, while others prefer the flexibility of virtual or telephone sessions. A therapist will tell you what options they have for you.
What type of therapy interests you?
Some therapists specialize in more short-term approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and others can dig deep into issues using talk therapy such as Psychotherapy. There are many types! Maybe you have a preference, maybe now. Most therapists use a variety of treatment approaches to meet your needs.
Want a therapist who understands farmers?
We have spent the past few months seeking therapists with farming clients or farming backgrounds. We did this to help you connect faster with a therapist who understands your lifestyle and stresses. In short, the therapists in our referral network speak farm!
We have a range of therapists listed there. We recommend you scroll through the list, read about them, and choose one that resonates with you.
IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT TALKING WITH A THERAPIST, HERE ARE A FEW TIPS
Visit our AgKnow website to read therapists' bios in our Referral Network. These are therapists across Alberta who have experience working with farmers.
Take a few minutes to read some advice about choosing the right therapist for your needs.
What do the designations mean?
Sometimes the letters behind a professional’s name look a lot like alphabet soup. These letters refer to a therapist’s credentials. Here’s a brief list of what those mean:
RPC – Registered Professional Counsellor
This is an experienced-based counsellor who usually has a diploma in the field or other counselling credentials. To be a Registered Professional Counsellor means that others have supervised them in the field.
R.Psych – Registered Psychologist
A registered psychologist has a graduate degree in psychology. They focus on different talk therapy or counselling approaches to treatments and don’t prescribe medication. They have graduate degrees in psychology.
Registered Provisional Psychologist
A person in training to become a psychologist. They have a graduate degree in psychology and are completing their internship hours under the supervision of a registered psychologist.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with additional years of training in mental health and the brain. Being a medical doctor, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication.
Article by Dr Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Applied Social Psychologist and Professor in the Department of Social Sciences
BOOKING AN AGKNOW SESSION
CHOOSE A THERAPIST
The members in our referral network have experience with farmers and the agriculture industry in Alberta. We know context is important so you can spend less time getting them up to speed and more time getting to the root of the issue.
SCHEDULE A CALL
You have direct access to everyone in our referral network, so once you find a therapist you resonate with, fill out their form and book your first session.
TALK ABOUT IT
Whether in person, virtual or through a telephone session now is your chance to talk about how you are really doing. Remember - we were never meant to do this alone.
