Common Questions About Our Services
Will my counseling sessions be private?
Yes, all counseling sessions are confidential. We ensure that your discussions with our counselors remain private and secure.
What Is Counseling?
Personal counseling involves a collaboration between a trained counselor and the client, aimed at fostering positive changes and improvements. Confidentiality is a foundational principle of counseling, ensuring that all information shared between the client and the counselor remains private, unless the client provides written consent for its release. The direction and objectives of the counseling sessions are determined by the client, based on their specific goals. If needed, the counselor can assist the client in setting objectives to achieve their ultimate goals by the end of the counseling process.
Will Counselling Help Me?
At times, you may find it difficult to pinpoint specific goals for counseling, especially when feelings of overwhelm and inner turmoil take hold. A trained professional counselor can offer valuable support, guiding you through various challenges and life situations. As an impartial party, the counselor provides perspective and equips you with tools to alleviate suffering and foster personal growth. Over time, you will discover a path and develop strategies to navigate the stress and challenges of daily life. From the very first session, you can expect to gain clarity, insights, wisdom, courage, and hope.
Is counselling offered in person, online, or over the phone?
Yes! All of the above. We offer in-person, online, and over-the-phone counselling.
How does phone counselling/ video counselling work?
A phone session provides a convenient way to connect with your therapist, whether using a landline or cell phone based on your preference. This allows you to have your session from any location. Alternatively, you can opt for a video counseling session, where a video platform facilitates a virtual face-to-face connection between the client and the counselor. Video counseling sessions require a passcode to ensure privacy and prevent interruptions. Both phone and video sessions are conducted with confidentiality and safety measures in place.
How Long is the session and how many sessions do I need to feel better?
Individual counseling sessions are 55 minutes long, while couple or family counseling sessions are 90 minutes in duration. The specific number of sessions required to achieve initial objectives will vary based on the issues at hand and individual needs. During the first counseling session, the counselor will listen to your needs and provide a recommendation for the number of sessions necessary to reach your goals.
Do I need a referral to see you for counselling?
There is no requirement for a referral to access counseling services. However, if you have coverage through a third-party funding vendor, such as ICBC, Worksafe BC, the Crime Victim Assistance Program, or your employee assistance and extended health programs, please inform me of your coverage details. If necessary, I can provide a letter to your policy provider to support your counseling needs, especially if your policy does not recognize my designation as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC).
What is your cancellation policy?
A 24-hour notice is required for all session cancellations. If notice is not provided, or is given with less than 24 hours’ notice, the full session fee may be charged. This policy ensures that the reserved session time can be made available to other clients in need of counselling services. The counsellor retains the discretion to waive the cancellation fee based on the client’s specific circumstances.
Payment Method
Session fees are payable by cash or e-transfer (e-transfers must be received prior to the session).
Our counseling services can be covered by most extended health benefits, ICBC, Crime Victim Assistance Program, and WorkSafeBC programs, and the First Nations Health Authority.