...

Grigore Counselling & Associates

How To Find A Therapist That Is Right For Your Needs

Are you going to start therapy anytime soon? First of all, congratulations on taking this brave step; you’re halfway there to your happy, healthy future self. But with so many therapy styles and specialties out there, how do you find the one? Let’s break it down so you can find a therapist who’s the perfect fit for your needs!

How To Find A Therapist – Key Factors To Consider

Your ideal therapist needs to fit your needs, personality, and long-term goals. Before booking that first session, here are some key factors to consider to ensure you’re making the best choice:

1.    Credentials And Licensure

Your therapist will know all of your good stuff and bad stuff, so before spilling your life journey, you need to make sure your therapist is the real deal. Licensed therapists have undergone rigorous training and are certified by professional boards. So make sure you’re working with a professional who is certified to perform therapy and not just a self-proclaimed mental health activist.

2.    Therapy Approach And Techniques

Not all therapy is just talking, and different therapists use different methods to help you achieve your goals! Some focus on deep emotional processing (Psychodynamic Therapy), while others take a structured, goal-based approach (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). You need to understand these methods to find a therapist whose approach works for you.

3.    Experience And Specialization

Would you trust a foot doctor to do heart surgery? Probably not! The same applies to therapy. If you’re dealing with childhood trauma, a Trauma-Informed Therapist may be the best fit. Struggling in your marriage? A Couples and Family Therapist might be your person. The more specific your therapist’s expertise, the better the results.

4.    Personal Comfort And Communication Style

Therapy is a two-way street. You need a therapist you feel comfortable with. One who listens, understands, and makes you feel safe. Consider factors like their communication style, cultural competence, and whether you prefer a male or female therapist.

5.    Availability And Accessibility

What’s the point of finding the perfect therapist if you can never get an appointment? Consider logistics like location, virtual vs. in-person sessions, and costs. If affordability is a concern, check for sliding-scale options or insurance coverage.

finding a therapist

How Different Specialties Can Impact Treatment Outcomes

Therapists aren’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, different specialists can help you navigate life’s challenges in unique ways. At Grigore Counselling, we aim to connect you with the best therapists who can actually help you live your life better, so we have given some recommendations that might be helpful. Here’s a look at some key therapy types and who they’re best suited for:

1.    Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT Therapist)

CBT is ideal for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress. This therapy type helps you rewire negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It’s structured, goal-oriented, and incredibly effective.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
  • Dr. Sogol Shams (PhD, RCC)
  • Jessica Klair (RTC)

2.    EMDR Therapist

For those battling trauma and distressing memories, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a game-changer. It uses guided eye movements to help the brain reprocess painful experiences, making them less overwhelming.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who are trained in EMDR and EMDR 2.0, helping clients process trauma and distressing memories.

  • Robert Grigore (MCP, RCC)
  • Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
  • Simone Olinek (MACP, RP, CCC)

3.    Dialectical Behavior Therapist (DBT Therapist)

DBT is especially helpful for people with intense emotions, borderline personality disorder, or self-destructive behaviours. Techniques focus on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.

  • Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
discussing trauma with the therapist

4.    Trauma-Informed Therapist

Trauma isn’t just in the past, but it also affects how we function today. Trauma-informed therapists use specialized techniques like IFS (Internal Family Systems), Hypnotherapy, and TIYOGA (Trauma-Informed Yoga) to promote deep healing.

Specialists Who Can Help:

This specialist from Grigore Counselling uses Trauma-Informed approaches like TIYOGA, IFS, and Hypnotherapy to help clients heal from trauma and emotional distress.

  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)

5.    Solution-Focused Brief Therapist (SFBT Therapist)

Hate long therapy sessions that feel like they’re going nowhere? SFBT is short, practical, and laser-focused on solutions rather than diving deep into past problems. Perfect for tackling anxiety, trauma, or personal growth.

Specialists Who Can Help:

This specialist from Grigore Counselling practices Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to provide short-term, goal-oriented support for personal challenges.

  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)

6.    Couples And Family Therapists

Relationships are tough! If you and your partner or family need guidance, a Couples and Family Therapist can help. They use proven methods like Gottman’s Method, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR to strengthen bonds and improve communication.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in couple and family therapy:

  • Robert Grigore (MCP, RCC)
  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
  • Swati Dehariya (MEd, MA, RCC, RP)

7.    Child And Youth Therapist

Relationships are tough! If you and your partner or family need guidance, a Couples and Family Therapist can help. They use proven methods like Gottman’s Method, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR to strengthen bonds and improve communication.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who specialize in trauma-informed therapy for children and teenagers, helping them navigate anxiety, emotional regulation, and trauma recovery.

  • Lacey Poltorasky (MCP, RCC, CCC)
  • Dr. Cindi Saj (PhD, MSW, RSW)
  • Dr. Sogol Shams (PhD, RCC)

8.    Clinical Psychologist

For serious mental health conditions, a Clinical Psychologist offers diagnosis and evidence-based treatment plans. They work with various disorders, including depression, PTSD, and personality disorders.

Specialists Who Can Help:

Here are a few specialists from Grigore Counselling who diagnose and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based therapies tailored to individual client needs.

  • Robert Grigore (MCP, RCC)
  • Swati Dehariya (MEd, MA, RCC, RP)
  • Lacey Poltorasky  (MCP, RCC, CCC)

Conclusion

How to find a therapist is about finding someone who truly gets you. Whether you need a no-nonsense CBT coach, a deep-diving EMDR expert, or a compassionate trauma specialist, there’s a perfect match waiting for you. Therapy is an investment in yourself, so take your time, trust your gut, and don’t settle! Take that first step, book a consultation with Grigore Counselling, and start your journey toward a healthier, happier you!

Picture of Robert Grigore MCP, RCC
Robert Grigore MCP, RCC

Robert Grigore is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Certified EMDR Therapist & Approved EMDR Consultant by the EMDR International Association, Founder of Grigore Counselling & Associates, and the author of the book entitled: You Need Therapy. EMDR: Real People With Real Problems Getting Real Help.

Discover More
Free E-Copy of: You NEED Therapy. EMDR: Real People With Real Problems Getting Real Help
Free Ebook on EMDR
Popular post

Changing your life can be easier than you think.

We will respond as soon as we can!

Anything you want to ask us?

While we do our best to adhere to strict confidentiality, we cannot guarantee complete privacy when messaging us over the internet. Please only share what you feel comfortable sharing in this format.

Related blog

Popular blog

Leaders in Canadian
Mental Health

Contact Us

19569 Fraser Hwy. Mailbox 469. Surrey, BC. V3S 6K7

info@grigorecounselling.com

1-833-999-5845

Free copy of Robert's book!

Dive deeper into EMDR and learn why You NEED Therapy!  Hint: Robert believes we all need therapy ;)

Inside you’ll discover:

  • Neurobiology of trauma
  • 30+ years of EMDR research
  • EMDR case studies and real client testimonials
  • Detailed overview of EMDR’s 8-Phase Standard Protocol
  • How to find the right EMDR therapist for you (and what to ask them)