Finding a counsellor is an important step toward healing, growth, and hope. Yet for many people, starting that journey can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating grief, anxiety, relationship challenges, or major life transitions, choosing the right support matters — and so does understanding the roadblocks that might arise.
At Katharine Hansen Counselling, we recognize that reaching out for help is a courageous act, and part of our commitment is making that process feel as welcoming and empowering as possible. If you’re beginning the search for counselling in Kelowna, here are three common challenges people often face — and why pushing through them is worth it.
Accessibility: Waitlists and Affordability
One of the biggest barriers many people encounter when seeking counselling in Kelowna is accessibility. Counselling services can sometimes have long waitlists, especially in times when community needs are high. Waiting weeks or months for help can feel discouraging, especially when you’re already struggling.
Affordability can also be a concern. While counselling is an essential part of mental and emotional health, not all services are covered by insurance, and private counselling can seem out of reach for some. It’s easy to feel stuck or even guilty for needing support that feels hard to access.
However, there is hope. Many counsellors, including Katharine Hansen, offer flexible options — such as online sessions, free online consultations, or short-term focused support — to help meet clients where they are. Reaching out to ask about available options, even if it feels uncomfortable, can open doors you didn’t know existed. It’s important to remember: your well-being is worth advocating for.
Finding the Right ‘Fit’ for Your Personality and Needs
Another major hurdle is finding a counsellor in Kelowna who feels like the right match. Counselling is a deeply personal process, and the therapeutic relationship — the connection you build with your counsellor — can make a significant difference in your healing journey.
You might meet a perfectly qualified counsellor, but if you don’t feel safe, heard, or respected, it can be hard to fully open up. It’s completely normal to need time — or even a few initial sessions — to find someone who feels right for you. Some people may even see more than one counsellor before they find the best fit.
At Katharine Hansen Counselling, the focus is always on creating a safe, compassionate space where you can be yourself without judgment. The right counsellor won’t try to “fix” you; they will walk alongside you, honouring your unique grief, growth, and healing journey. Trust yourself — if a connection doesn’t feel supportive, it’s okay to keep looking until you find one that does.
Staying Hopeful Through the Search
It’s easy to feel disheartened if the first call doesn’t lead to immediate availability, or if the first session doesn’t feel like an instant match. Many people wonder if counselling is really worth all the effort, or worry that maybe they “aren’t trying hard enough.”
But here’s the truth: seeking help — even when the path feels frustrating — is an act of hope. It’s a commitment to your future self. Every email you send, every phone call you make, every consultation you attend — it’s a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
The right support can change everything. Counselling isn’t just about talking — it’s about having a guide when the road ahead feels unclear. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued exactly where you are — and being gently supported as you move toward where you want to be.
At Katharine Hansen Counselling in Kelowna, we are committed to walking that journey with you. Whether you’re navigating grief, relationship struggles, or major life transitions, you deserve a space where hope is nurtured and healing is possible. If it sounds like we might be a good fit for you, please contact us and schedule a Free 20-minute consultation to learn more.