How do I choose a counsellor?  
First, it’s absolutely normal to possibly feel awkward or uncomfortable about reaching out to a therapist.  Counsellors are just people who are interested in helping others, and each one has a unique personality, counselling style, and approach to helping you with your challenge.  
Because of this, you may need to try more than one counsellor to find a good fit for yourself.  I offer a free 20 minute telephone consultation to help you get a sense of whether we would work well together.  Your counsellor should always make you feel supported, validated and safe to share whatever part of your story you need to share. 

What’s the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy? 
Such a good question! Both are grounded in the safety and security of the therapeutic working relationship and have the goal  of helping someone bring about positive changes within themselves and in their lives.  
While a psychotherapist can absolutely offer counselling, and likely will do so as they listen to and guide a client towards growth and change, a counsellor may not have the needed skills or training to offer psychotherapy.  

“Counselling” is a term often used to describe a relatively short term process to address a specific issue or challenge such as a relational shift, a life transition, grief or loss, or short term anxiety or depression brought on by a particular circumstance. Targeted counselling can also help when a behavioural change is needed such as managing anger or addiction.  Often the counsellor helps the client discover and use the resources, strengths, and strategies they already have within themselves to bring about the changes they desire.  
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is typically longer term and explores past experiences and issues that are impacting the present with the goal of gaining insight and to bring healing to emotional pain and difficult memories.  Psychotherapy often involves processing trauma from the past or recent present or dealing with the root causes of current states such as chronic anxiety or depression.  

What do you mean, anyone can call themselves a counsellor?  
Many people are unaware that in BC, the profession of counselling is not yet regulated.  This means anyone can call themselves a “counsellor” or “therapist” even if they have no having advanced training or education. 
Since you will be trusting a counsellor with your story and investing in the time you spend with them, their qualifications, level of education and their training are important to consider.   I would recommend looking for accreditation with an association such as the BCACC  (BC Association of Clinical Counsellors ) or CCPA (Canadian Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association).  This means a counsellor has an RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) or CCC (Canadian Clinical Counsellor) designation.  This the best way to know they have completed a 2.5-3 year Master’s program which included a practicum in which they received expert supervision, guidance, and training as they developed and practiced their therapeutic skills.  

A great way to find a fully qualified counsellor here is to use the Psychology Today website where you can search for a counsellor to help meet your specific needs: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca or the BCACC site:  https://bcacc.ca 

You should ask if the professional is receiving ongoing Clinical supervision as a recommended best practice.