What is counselling therapy?
Counselling therapy is a collaborative, confidential process where a therapist helps clients address issues that are hindering their well-being.
- The First Session: During the first session, therapists invite clients to share their current concerns, hopes, and objectives for entering the therapeutic process. To ensure a collaborative process, the client can ask questions about anything that seems unclear and anything that will help them feel more at ease.
- Ongoing Sessions: Subsequent sessions are tailored to the client’s unique needs, with the therapist guiding them through the journey, much like an adventure, where the client defines their goals and the therapist provides support along the way.
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process; it's personalized to each client's story and challenges.
How common are mental health challenges?
Mental health issues are more common than many people realize. Recent statistics from Statistics Canada (2023) reveal that over five million Canadians aged 15 and up met diagnostic criteria for mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders in the past year.
- A 2021 Ipsos survey found that 60% of Canadians reported experiencing mental health issues, but over half did not seek help.
- While societal attitudes have shifted toward more acceptance of mental health support, the stigma of seeking help persists. However, therapy can be the first step toward healing and sustainable well-being.
How do I know if I would benefit from therapy?
Therapy can benefit anyone facing mental health challenges, especially if you're feeling stuck, conflicted, or more down than up lately.
- When to consider therapy: If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or irritability that disrupt your life, therapy can help.
- Therapy as a guide: Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but therapy helps you navigate through those challenges by teaching effective coping strategies, ultimately allowing you to manage life's ups and downs with greater resilience.
How long will therapy take?
The duration of therapy depends on the individual and their concerns:
- Short-term concerns: Some issues can be resolved within one to three sessions (e.g., making a significant life decision).
- Long-term concerns: For clients working through unresolved past experiences or long-standing negative patterns, therapy may take longer.
The pace of therapy is set by you, with guidance from your therapist.
Do you offer complimentary consultations?
Rather than a free 15-minute consultation, I now provide new clients with a second session of the same duration free of charge. This approach alleviates the time pressure new clients can often feel during a 15-minute consultation, and even during the first session. Simply book your first session, and after that, you can schedule your second session at no cost.
Are fees covered by extended health insurance?
Many extended health insurance plans cover therapy services. Please check directly with your insurance provider to confirm that they cover clinicians registered with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) or certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).
Is direct billing available?
Yes, direct billing is available for first responders with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). For other insurance providers, you’ll receive a receipt that can be submitted for reimbursement. Be sure to verify coverage with your insurance benefits plan.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand that life happens, and sometimes you may need to cancel. However, sessions canceled with less than 48 hours' notice will incur a cancellation fee. This policy helps ensure the sustainability of the practice and is not intended to penalize clients.