How do I know if a counsellor is for me?

[singadream]

I want some counselling for various reasons and had an initial appt with someone yesterday. I liked them mostly, and felt very good comfortable vibes from the room we were in in their house - all hiddelty pigglety knick knacks (though in excellent old fashioned antique taste) that made me feel comfortable. But they also said some things that made me feel weird - about the feelings they got from me etc, things like 'I can tell you are a lovely person' that in a non counselling setting would make me run a mile - I am not into woo-waa superstitious type things if that makes sense. We agreed I would have another session before choosing whether to commit but I just wondered those of you with counsellors, how did you know that you had found the right person. And those of you who are counsellors, happy for your input too.

Anyone?

I dunno I must admit I’m sceptical about the whole counselling thing. The I can tell you’re a lovely person comment is a tad unprofessional

Im a counsellor.
I would meet with a couple of counsellors and get a feel for them. most offer a free introductory session to ask any questions and to see if their approach "fits" with what you are looking for.
check out credentials too. good luck.

I find more psychodynamic style counsellors can make yiu squirm a bit more, while more CBT style psychologists are more straightforward.
But it's a personality thing too, if it was a bit too uncomfortable that feeling might carry on.
Maybe try another and see what you think

I had counselling to get over/come to terms with a serious health issue. I am unsure if I liked or totally trusted her but she was good at her job. I was desperate to feel better so I took a gamble on trusting her and the results in my attitude and feelings relatively quickly were amazing.

Another time I had counselling free through work about a potential redundancy situation. I really didn’t like that counsellor and I thought she seemed quite ineffective as a counsellor especially compared to the other one things didn’t really get better and she talked about herself and experiences a lot so I almost felt I was counselling her at times.

It is completely up to you. If they made you feel weird, try someone else.

How do you know you have found the right person? They don't make you feel weird.