Selecting a therapist

Many people are not aware that in Manitoba, regulations concerning who can consider themselves to be a marriage and family therapist or be a counsellor do not exist.  In Manitoba, it is up to each consumer to ensure that they are seeing someone credible. 

In recognition of the "buyer beware" situation in Manitoba, please keep the following in mind when seeking a therapist:

Education: 

Ask the therapist what educational training they have had as well as the insititution they recieved their education.  What is the highest degree obtained?  How long did it take to get an education?

In Manitoba, one does not require any level of education to be able to begin advertising as a counsellor.  It is possible to get degrees which by title sound impressive but are obtained over a number of weeks or a few months.

Membership in Recognized Associations: 

Inquire about professional organizations the therapists belong to, and about the requirements that are associated with being a member of those organizations.  Organizations such as The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists have stringent criteria that members must meet before acceptance. 

Additionally, professional associations generally have a code of ethics which they expect members to adhere to, as well as a mechanism to express a complaint if that code is violated.

Ability to engage effectively with clients: 

Research has shown that the single most important factor in therapy is the ability of the therapist/counsellor and client to establish an effective working relationship.  The alliance that a therapist builds with a client is key to effective work. 

Your own intuition or "gut feeling": 

Trust yourself and your impressions.  Use your own instincts to determine comfort level and your ability to trust a therapist.  If a therapist says or does something that feels odd/unusual or even wrong, notice the feeling that you have around that.  A competent therapist will encourage this discussion and be willing to process your concerns in a way that satisfies you.

Ask questions when booking an appointment with a therapist.  Ask friends or family that you trust for recommendations of therapists that have experienced as credible and effective.