Questions to ask a therapist, counsellor, or alternative healthcare practitioner in Nelson, BC or British Columbia

You finally found a healthcare practitioner in Nelson, BC or elsewhere in British Columbia who seemed to check the boxes - they appeared knowledgeable, kind, and specialized in the area of wellness that you need support with. You can schedule their consult, but, what are you supposed to ask!? What do you need to know, and what is appropriate to bring up in this first point of contact?

Questions to ask a Therapist, Counsellor or Alternative Healthcare Provider in Nelson, BC or British Columbia

Are they a registered practitioner? 

In British Columbia, a person must be registered with the College in order to practice traditional chinese medicine and use a title such as Acupuncturist, Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, or Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For counselling in British Columbia, a Registered Counsellor is a certified member affiliated with a professional association, and is recognized for having completed specific study, upholding professional rules and regulations, completes continuing education and abides by a formal code of ethics. 

What modalities do they practice? Are they specialized in any one?

When it comes to counselling and alternative healthcare, the sky is the limit. There are so many therapies that fall under these umbrella categories. For example, counselling can be psychodynamic, somatic, behavioural, ecotherapy, etc. Other holistic approaches might include herbalism, acupuncture, chiropractic, craniosacral, massage therapy, or chinese medicine. And within each of these, it can get even more specific! For example, if you struggle with stress and lack of sleep, you might want to try Acupuncture and Herbalism that focus on Nervous system regulation and Insomnia. Another example might be someone who wants to work with nature therapy in their counselling process, they might look for someone who offers Ecotherapy Counselling (online via telehealth or in person). 

Have they ever worked with the particular issue you want to focus on?

This consult is for you to describe your problem, how long you have had it, what you have tried, and ask how they might be able to help you. The practitioner should be able to clearly describe to you what they can offer, their fees, their availability, whether or not they work with insurance, and other alternatives you might want to consider. 

Are they able to recommend a healthcare provider who might be a better fit?

If you do not feel comfortable or confident in the information provided to you, ask if they can recommend or refer you to someone else. No matter which healthcare provider you have on the line, they should want to point you in the right direction - even if that means not working with them. Do you feel like this person has your best interests at heart? If not, move on!

My name is Kendra, and I am a Counsellor and Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Nelson, BC. I specialize in Anxiety Counselling, Ecotherapy, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine - online via telehealth or in-person. 

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in Nelson BC or British Columbia. If you are still feeling like you need more support, please feel free to call me at (778) 722-2277 or email me at info@yanaroot.com for a free 15 minute phone consultation (or click here!). I’d be happy to discuss your healthcare needs and help direct you to the right person. 

If you are looking for help with anxiety, guilt, self-esteem, panic attacks, or more somatic hands on therapies like acupuncture and chinese medicine, you can read more about how I can help here.

When we work together, you will begin to develop tools and routines that help you find balance and feel like yourself again. Let’s un-conver how you can work with yourself instead of against yourself. 

Visit www.yanaroot.com for more information. 

Make an appointment or schedule a consult here.

Keywords: therapist in Nelson BC, counsellor in Nelson BC, counselling in Nelson BC, Ecotherapy Nelson BC, finding a counsellor in Nelson BC, anxiety therapy Nelson BC, Chinese Medicine in Nelson BC