Ready to Get Started?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you are not sure where to begin or which therapist is right for you. At Creating Solutions, we make it easier to access counselling and psychological services in Edmonton, Alberta.
Let’s answer some of the most common questions about therapy and assessment:
Do I Need a Referral to See a Therapist in Edmonton?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to start therapy in Edmonton. You can contact Creating Solutions directly to inquire about counselling or therapy services and discuss your needs with our team.
The main exception is if you are seeking therapy related to a motor vehicle accident (MVA). For MVA-related counselling or psychological services, a referral from a physician is required to bill services to your car insurance company.
If you are unsure whether you need a referral for the service you are seeking, please contact us. We can help you understand the requirements and determine the best way to get started.
What Can I Expect From My First Therapy Appointment?
Your first therapy appointment is an opportunity to get to know your therapist, discuss what brings you to counselling, and begin identifying how therapy can support you. Your therapist will review important information about your rights and responsibilities and what you can expect from the therapeutic relationship.
You do not need to have everything figured out before your first appointment. Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to determine where to begin and identify next steps.
Your therapist will gather relevant information to better understand your concerns and circumstances. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your goals for therapy and what you would like to change or work on.
Together, you and your therapist will begin developing a therapy plan that reflects your needs, goals, and preferences. This plan evolves as you progress through therapy.
How Do I Find the Right Therapist for Me?
Finding the right therapist starts with considering your needs, goals, and personal preferences. When reviewing our therapist profiles, take some time to explore each therapist’s areas of experience, approaches, and specialties.
Consider the following when choosing a therapist:
Browse our therapist profiles to find clinicians with experience in areas you want to work on
Learn more about our counselling services to explore types of therapy and support we offer.
Think about what works best for you, including your age and type of relationship being supported, also whether you would prefer in-person or virtual sessions.
Reach out to our team for guidance if you are uncertain where to begin. We can help you choose which therapist may be the best match for your needs and therapy goals.
Remember - You do not need to find the perfect therapist before reaching out. Choosing a therapist is a collaborative process, and trust and comfort build as therapy progresses.
What Can I Talk to a Therapist About?
Therapy can provide a supportive space to talk about a wide range of concerns, challenges, and life experiences. You do not need to have a specific diagnosis or know exactly what you need before starting therapy.
People commonly talk about things like:
Anxiety, stress, or feeling overwhelmed
Depression, low mood, or changes in motivation
Trauma or difficult past experiences
Grief, loss, or major life changes
Relationship or family concerns
Parenting and family challenges
Self-esteem, confidence, or personal growth
Emotional regulation and coping with difficult emotions
Workplace stress, burnout, or life balance
ADHD, executive functioning, or academic concerns
If something is affecting your well-being, relationships, work, school, or ability to manage daily life, it may be worth discussing with a therapist. You can explore our therapy services and therapist profiles to learn more about the types of concerns we support.
How Do I Know if Therapy is Working?
Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress looks different for everyone. Rather than expecting immediate change, consider whether you are noticing levels of improvement in the areas that brought you in.
You may notice progress through:
Greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns.
Improved coping skills and confidence managing challenges.
Changes in relationships, communication, or boundaries.
Better ability to manage difficult emotions or situations.
Progress toward the goals you identified with your therapist.
Feeling more capable and in control of your choices and responses.
Your therapist will work with you to review your goals and progress along the way. If progress has stalled or something does not feel helpful, talk openly with your therapist. Together, you can adjust your goals, explore new strategies, or consider a different approach.
Therapy is not always a straight path. Progress may involve both challenges and positive changes along the way.
What Types of Assessment does Creating Solutions complete?
Creating Solutions provides comprehensive psychological and educational assessments to help better understand an individual’s strengths, challenges, and support needs. We offer a variety of assessments for children, teens, and adults.
Our assessment services include learning and academic assessments, cognitive and intellectual assessments, autism assessments, ADHD and executive functioning assessments, PDD funding assessments, and mental health assessments, including assessments related to depression and anxiety.
An assessment can help clarify concerns, identify areas of strength, and provide practical recommendations for school, work, home, or daily life.
If you are unsure which type of assessment is appropriate, contact us to discuss your concerns. We can help you determine where to begin and which assessment may best address your needs.