Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about therapy and counselling below.
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What is counselling, and how can it help me?
Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to talk through challenges, gain insight into your thoughts and feelings, and explore healthier ways of coping. It can help with issues such as stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma, or simply wanting more clarity and direction in life.
What happens in a counselling session?
Individual sessions typically last 50 minutes. You and your counsellor will work together to explore your goals, thoughts, and feelings. You can expect to be listened to without judgment, asked thoughtful questions, and offered tools, lead through exercises, and provided perspectives that may help.
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How often should I come to counselling?
That depends on your needs. Some people attend multiple times a week. Many attend weekly, while others find biweekly or monthly sessions helpful. Together, you and your counsellor will decide on a pace that works best for you.
4
How long will I need counselling?
There’s no set timeline. Some clients come for a few sessions to work through a specific issue, while others choose longer-term counselling for deeper exploration and ongoing support.
5
How do I know if a counsellor is a good fit for me?
The most important factor in counselling is the relationship. You should feel heard, understood, and respected. If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s okay to talk about it with your counsellor or reach out to another counsellor on our team. Finding the right fit is part of the process.
6
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. What you share in counselling is private and confidential. The only exceptions are rare situations where safety is at risk (for example, if there’s a danger of harm to yourself or others, or when required by law). Your counsellor will explain this clearly before you begin.
7
What if I can’t afford counselling?
We understand that cost can be a barrier. Some counsellors offer sliding-scale fees, payment plans, or reduced rates based on need. Please reach out if you’d like to explore options.
8
Are there age requirements for counselling?
We welcome clients as young as four, and there’s no age limit to who can benefit from counselling. Sessions are always tailored to fit where someone is at in life. Whether that means play-based approaches for children or talk therapy for adults, all sessions are contained within a safe, supportive space.
9
If my teenager sees a counsellor, will I be updated on what happens?
Parents and caregivers are part of the process, but a teen’s privacy matters too. To help your teen feel safe, most details stay confidential. You may still receive updates on general progress, and we’ll always let you know if there are any safety concerns.
10
How are my benefits applied to session costs?
Coverage depends on your insurance provider. At the moment, some plans will reimburse sessions, while others may not. This will remain the case until our counsellors have gained Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) membership with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) is finalized. Once the RCC registration is confirmed—expected by January 2026—many more insurance plans will recognize services.
11
Can I take a break from counselling and return later?
Yes. Life can get busy, and sometimes you may want to pause counselling. You’re always welcome to step back and return when you’re ready. We’ll check in before a break to talk about what might be most helpful for you when you come back.
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What if I’m not sure what to talk about?
That’s okay! You don’t need to have everything figured out before coming. Some clients start with just a feeling that something isn’t right. We can begin wherever you are, and together we’ll explore what feels most important to focus on.
