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Counselling

Counselling is a generic term used to describe therapy that involves talking. It is offered by a wide range of professionals from regulated professions including medicine, psychology, social work, nursing and occupational health.

Research on the effectiveness of counselling for treating depression has shown that counselling can been as effective as drug treatment for people with mild to moderate depression. Counselling may also be effective in combination with medication for people with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia (Trower et al.).

Counselling can take many forms, depending on the training of the professional and the needs of the client. It may centre on issues from the past or present, and may involve many sessions over an unlimited number of months or years, or it may be more short-term with a defined number of sessions. Counsellors will approach the counselling relationship and process differently, depending on their training, philosophy and personal style. The cost of the service may be covered by program funding, or it may be paid by the client on a sliding scale or flat rate. Many insurance programs cover counselling when delivered by a psychologist, and most Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer cost-free counselling. When physicians or psychiatrists offer counselling, the costs are usually covered by OHIP.

It may take several attempts to find a counsellor whose method and fee schedule are right for you. There may be long waiting lists. Some people who are waiting to begin counselling find that joining a support group provides support during the waiting period and usually does not involve a cost or a waiting list. Your local CMHA branch may be able to help you find a support group near you.

Counselling should involve setting goals and timelines to review and assess the effectiveness of the therapy. If you have not experienced change in at least one of your goals of therapy after six to eight months, you may want to evaluate if this counselling is working for you. Involve your counsellor in this discussion. It is your counsellor's professional duty to discuss the progress of your therapy with you. Although a counsellor may challenge you, it should always be in an environment of respect and acceptance.

Source

Trower, P., Birchwood, M., Meaden, A., Byrne, S., Nelson. A., and Ross, K. Cognitive Therapy for Command Hallucinations: Randomised Controlled Trial. British Journal of Psychiatry (April 2004; 184: 312-20). Retrieved from bjp.rcpsych.org.

How Do I Find a Counsellor?

Ask your family doctor if they provide counselling services or can recommend a counsellor.
Talk to family and friends and ask them if they know of a recommended counsellor.
Ask your local CMHA branch if they have information on counsellors in your area.

Directories

Counselling and Treatment in Ontario, Mental Health Service Information Ontario (1-866-531-2600)
General Practice Psychotherapy Association
A list of doctors practicing psychotherapy in Ontario.
Ontario Society of Psychotherapists
Canadian Professional Counsellors Association
Ontario Psychological Association Referral Service
Find a Social Worker
Canadian Counselling Association
Specialized Anxiety Treatment in Ontario

How Do I Choose a Counsellor?

The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario has information on the kinds of questions you can ask your counsellor to help build a trusting relationship, and other information on finding a counsellor. During the first appointment with the counsellor, you should feel free to ask any questions regarding the treatment including the counsellor's experience, approach, limits and boundaries.

Related Resources

Policy Recommendations

The Ontario government has written legislation that will regulate additional professions including psychotherapy. See Health System Improvements Act, 2006 for more information on the legislation.