creating a better learning environment

Choosing a Counsellor

Students need to know what counselling services and/or healing groups are available to them. This is especially true for women who have or are experiencing domestic violence and general abuse.

This check list will help you or your students choose an appropriate counsellor. While designed for survivors of violence and abuse, this checklist can be used by anyone who seeks counselling, for whatever reason.

What is Available?
Healing can take many forms, including individual counselling, family therapy, support groups, self-help groups and professionally led groups. Your program or institution should have information about what is available in your community. Many institutions have student counselling departments which offer both counselling services and community information.

You might find that combining these approaches is best. You may find that other approaches, for instance, healing circles or sweat ceremonies, help you. The important thing is to find what works for you.

Choosing a Therapist for Individual or Group Counselling
Ask others, especially other women survivors, about their experiences. How would they choose? Who would they recommend?

Ask other professionals you trust, i.e. clergy, physician, social worker, school counsellor for a recommendation.

Interview a potential therapist. Here are some questions you might ask:

• What training do you have?
• What experience do you have working with survivors?
• How often will we have sessions?
• On average, how long are survivors in counselling with you?
• Are you available outside regular sessions? How available are you?
• What will you do if I am suicidal?
• Can you help me with other resources I may need?
  Can you give me an example of one and how or when you might use it?
• How do you deal with confidentiality?
• What is your fee? Do you have a lower fee for students?

After the interview, ask yourself these questions.

• Do you feel that you have the therapist's respect?
• Did you feel you were part of the process?
• Are you comfortable speaking with her or him?