Getting Started on choosing a Registered Psychologist, Counsellor or Therapist in Vancouver, B.C.

Judith Beale, M.A. Registered Psychologist - First steps for Individual Psychotherapy or Counselling - Adults with Depression, Anxiety, Relationship or other Issues.

Step 1 - Initial Phone Contact Assessment

The first phase of Individual Psychotherapy or Counselling involves a telephone discussion. Before we meet in person, I will ask you some general questions over the phone about your current situation or what is happening in your life now that you are thinking about seeking help for. You may or may not be able to clearly define your problems or be at all certain as to whether you really need counselling at this time. You may be counselling "savvy" or completely unfamiliar with anything to do with counselling or psychotherapy. I am open to discussing and hearing what is going on for you regardless of how well you can articulate or express your problems and concerns, and regardless of your level of certainty about pursuing counselling.

The initial phone assessment takes between 10-20 minutes and serves a number of purposes such as:

• • To determine if your problems and issues are suitable for my practice
• • To answer questions you may have of my competence to work with your issues, my availability and other issues of concern such as confidentiality, cost etc.
• • To provide you with some alternative referrals where possible and appropriate
• • To set up an appointment for a more in depth personal assessment

Consistent with Ethical Practice Standards, all contact made by phone or in person, is treated as confidential information.

Step 2 - Initial In-Person Assessment (by Appointment Only)

Before we begin with the assessment I will talk a bit about important issues such as confidentiality, rights, the therapy framework and obtain your written consent to proceed. During the Initial In Person Assessment, not only will I be assessing you and your situation but you will be assessing me in many ways too:

• • do you feel comfortable with me
• • is my office secure and easy to access
• • do I understand most of what you are saying
• • do I answer your questions adequately
• • do you think you can work with me

The initial assessment will be largely based on your descriptions and responses to my questions about your current and previous life experiences that are relevant to the problems you present to me. This is an exploratory process that is moderately structured so that you can have the freedom to express as much as you can about your situation. My goal in this initial session is to listen to you tell your story in your own words and to ask you relevant questions as you go along. During the assessment phase we may determine that an immediate intervention or treatment is necessary and if so I will address this directly. Where applicable and within my scope of practice I will provide diagnostic information.

Counselling Commitment or Mutual Agreement

We may need a few assessment sessions before we feel we can mutually agree to proceed with a commitment to work together but often we can determine this in the first session. During the In Person Assessment we arrive at a consensus on a number of issues such as problem areas to address; goals or objectives; timeframe of short or longer term therapy; frequency of sessions and scheduling. It is important to assess and determine together whether or not the timing is right for you and that you able to commit to the work ahead. If we arrive at a mutual agreement to proceed, I am committed to working very hard with you toward your objectives and expectations for counselling or psychotherapy. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 604-224-6236 and refer to the contact link.