Frequently Asked Questions
“How do I choose the right counsellor for me?”
Successful outcomes in therapy are related to a number of key factors. Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a counsellor:
Competency
Choose a counsellor who has knowledge and skill in keeping with your needs.
Some factors to consider include:
- Their areas of expertise and specializations
- Therapeutic or treatment approach
- Years of experience
Chemistry
Chemistry is important. Therapy is most effective when the client feels connected to their therapist in a trusting and healthy way. It is important to pay attention to your level of comfort with your therapist/counsellor. Please know that it is okay to not have chemistry with your therapist and to choose to see someone else.
Credentials
Credentials and professional competency is important in the counselling field. Factors to consider are:
- What training has he/she completed? (degrees, certificates and ongoing education)
- Are they a registered member of a professional accrediting association?
- Do they have professional liability insurance?
- Do other professionals such as doctors or pastors make referrals to them?
All members of our professional team have completed advanced training and hold Masters Degrees in Counselling or Social Work from accredited universities.
Candour
Candour goes both ways. As the client, you will get help to the degree that you are open and forthright regarding the issues in your life. It takes time to present all your concerns and to disclose all the issues, but you will give yourself a gift by being open right from the beginning. Also, you need to sense that your counsellor is not withholding from you, but is giving you honest and sincere feedback and information pertaining to your needs.
Other factors you might want to consider are
- What appointment times are they available for?
- Will you feel more comfortable with a male or female counsellor?
- Is their location suitable to you?
- What is the average number of visits that their clients have?
- Is their fee in keeping with your ability to pay?
“What can I expect from a counselling session?”
We will talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session is generally 1 hour in length. Some people who are in crises or extreme distress may need sessions more frequently, but you and your counsellor will decide on how frequently subsequent sessions should occur.
At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the counselling sessions, such as reading a relevant book, journalling, or some other work we agree on.
“How do you work with couples?”
Depending on the situation, you will have the choice of working as a couple, or a combination of individual and couple counselling. We help couples in all stages of relationship, including pre-marital counselling, relationship coaching, parenting (including special needs children), infertility and adoption issues, sexual issues, crisis issues so on. We believe that being individually empowered in a relationship is very important; but not at the point of handicapping the couple’s needs for connection and security. We will also help a couple through the unconscious patterns that may sabotage their very important desire to have a healthy relationship.
“What if I don’t know what my goals are for counselling?”
If you don’t know what your goals are for counselling, your first task is to explore what your needs are. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of counselling your goals may change.
“What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?”
Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Counselling can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find counselling to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from counselling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counselling include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that lead you to seek counselling
- Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications skills – learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you.
- Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviours and develop new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems.
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
“Do you offer direct billing?”
Because of the numerous services that we offer, and the various levels of coverage by insurance providers, we do not offer direct billing. Your counsellor can provide you with a paid invoice of your services which can be submitted to your insurance provider for reimbursement, if eligible.
“What is your cancellation policy?”
We require a minimum of 24-hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Late cancellations (within 24 hours of appointment) or no-shows may be subject to a fee.
“Is counselling confidential?”
All communication between you and the counsellor is in strictest confidence and will not be released to anyone without written permission. Reports of physicians and insurance companies will not divulge personal material that has been given in confidence unless directed otherwise by the client. The only exception to confidentiality is the legal requirement to report circumstances wherein a client states an intention to harm self or others, and in cases of abuse