FAQs

The counselling process is unique to the person receiving support. It’s an entirely voluntary process; you can withdraw or resume at any time. It’s normal for counselling to take anywhere from 1-3 sessions to several years, depending upon your circumstance and goals. Typically, counselling starts on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and when you’re feeling better or getting a handle on your goals, you can transition to fewer sessions.

Life often brings unpredictable circumstances, and research demonstrates that humans change developmentally across their lifespan, bringing different problems to the surface in different seasons of life. Often clients will come back again after months or years to work on something else in their life. The bottom line is that the process is about you; we may be the professional in the room, but you are the expert on your own life and likely know best when you are ready to withdraw from counselling or resume once again. Feel free to discuss this in collaboration with your counsellor.

Individual sessions are either 25 or 50 minutes, couples session are either 50 or 80 minutes, and family sessions are 80 minutes. 

Everything that is said during a therapy session is completely confidential with three exceptions: 1) if a child is in danger, 2) if you are in danger of harming yourself, or 3) if you are planning on harming another person.

Clinical counsellors/psychotherapists (RCC/CCC) use clinical therapies grounded in mental health principles with empirically based assessments and therapeutic techniques to aid clients in achieving insight into existing challenges, gaining new skills and understanding, and earning emotional freedom from historical issues. Typical concerns range from grief, addictions, relationships, career, trauma, identity, sex, depression, and anxiety. They are regulated by professional organizations BC Association of Clinical Counsellors or the Canadian Psychotherapy and Counselling Association, where a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree are required. Clinical Counsellors are designated provincially as Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or nationally as Canadian Clinical Counsellors (CCC). Most extended health care benefit plans provide coverage for sessions.

Registered Psychologists (R.Psych) are specifically trained and qualified in developing, researching, and administering specialized psychological tests and conducting psychological research. Provincially, they are regulated by the BC College of Psychologists, requiring a Ph.D. or a PsyD. Most extended health care plans provide coverage for sessions.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) specializing in severe psychiatric disorders and medications to support mental illness. Psychiatrists attend medical school, are regulated by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and are typically covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Life coaches work with people to help them achieve goals, overcome obstacles and make changes or shifts in their lives. They are currently unregulated, have no minimum level of formal education required and use life experience to guide them in their work.

The term “Therapist” is used interchangeably for all of the above.

d if you are counting on your extended benefits covering the cost of your counselling, we recommend checking with your health care provider to confirm your coverage before beginning therapy.

Research shows that the therapeutic relationship accounts for 70-80% of the change made through counselling. Therefore, the therapeutic relationship is of the utmost importance to us! We prioritize helping our clients get paired with a therapist suitable for their needs and who they feel they can personally connect with. Please fill out our New Client Inquiry Form and we will get to work pairing you with a counsellor from our team. To ensure a good fit, we offer an optional “New Client Consultation,” a free 15-minute video chat with your therapist before the first appointment. During this consultation, you can get to know them and ask any questions you might have.

Like in all human relationships, sometimes the magic isn’t there. If you don’t feel like you can build a connection with your therapist after your first session or two, please don’t hesitate to let your therapist know or reach out to our office, and we can assist in finding another counsellor who might be a better fit.

re. Please note, rates are provider specific.