Do I Need Counselling?

How to Know When it’s Time to Reach Out

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Do I really need counselling?” If so, you’re not alone. Many people wrestle with this question—especially when life feels “manageable” on the outside, but something inside just doesn’t feel quite right.

At Rooted Counselling Services, we believe that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward healing, self-understanding, and growth. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. In fact, many people come to therapy simply because they want to feel more grounded, less overwhelmed, or better equipped to handle everyday challenges.

Common Reasons People Seek Counselling

Some of the reasons people come to counselling with us include:

  • Ongoing stress, anxiety, or burnout

  • Struggles at school or in the workplace

  • Difficulty coping with trauma or painful past experiences

  • Feeling emotionally stuck or disconnected

  • Engaging in habits they want to change (e.g., excessive phone use, gaming, substance use)

  • Life transitions such as career changes, relationship shifts, or loss

According to Psychology Today, therapy is beneficial not only when you’re in distress, but also when you want to improve emotional insight, relationship skills, or your overall quality of life. Therapy helps people "develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving," which can lead to lasting change.

How Do You Know If It’s Time?

There’s no single checklist that determines whether you “qualify” for therapy. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) encourages individuals to seek support if they’re noticing persistent changes in mood, sleep, energy, or focus—or simply when life feels harder than it used to.

Here are a few signs you may benefit from counselling:

  • You feel emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, or persistently low

  • You’re stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change

  • You’ve experienced a recent loss, trauma, or major life change

  • You want to feel more confident and connected in your life and relationships

  • You’re coping, but not thriving

The truth is, if you’ve even asked yourself whether therapy might help, that’s often a sign it’s worth exploring.

What to Expect at Rooted Counselling Services

We offer a supportive, welcoming space for adolescents, young adults, and adults in Calgary and across Alberta. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, stress, unwanted habits, or career transitions, we’re here to support you with care and compassion.

Our therapists use evidence-based approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

These modalities help clients understand their thoughts, process emotions, and make meaningful changes. As therapist David Barlow (2014) notes in the Clinical Handbook of Psychological Disorders, early use of these treatments can greatly improve outcomes and prevent issues from becoming more severe.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Reaching out for support takes courage—but you don’t have to have everything figured out before you do. At Rooted Counselling, we meet you where you’re at, helping you feel more grounded and empowered in your life.

🌿 Curious about counselling? Let’s talk. Book a free 15-minute consultation today to see if we’re the right fit for you. Click here to book!

📍 Located in Calgary, Alberta | Offering both in-person and online sessions
📞 Contact Us

References

  • Barlow, D. H. (2014). Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual (5th ed.). Guilford Press.

  • Psychology Today. (n.d.). Why Go to Therapy? Retrieved from psychologytoday.com

  • Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). Mental health: When to seek help. Retrieved from cmha.ca

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