Is my counselling session confidential?

As a professional member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCC) and a registered professional member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (RCC), I have an ethical obligation to maintain my client’s confidentiality.

Information about counselling sessions will not be released to anyone without your informed, voluntary, and written consent. Exceptions are:

1. When you may be a danger to yourself or others;

2. When there is a suspicion or disclosure of child or vulnerable adult abuse or severely neglected, or is at risk of such abuse; and

3. When records are subpoenaed by court order.

Every reasonable effort to discuss these circumstances with you prior to the involvement of other professionals will be made.

What should I expect during my first counselling session?

During your first visit, I will ask you to complete several forms, similar to what is required during a physician’s office, such as medical history, a consent form, and a therapist-patient service agreement.

During the first counselling session, we will begin to get to know and feel comfortable with one other, talk about your background and aspects of your personal life, discuss your reason(s) for seeking therapy, and outline some realistic goals and expectations.

How long is a typical counselling session?

A typical session will take 50 minutes.

What is CCC, and what is RCC?

CCC stands for Certified Clinical Counsellor and represents certification with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). At present, I am a professional member in good standing with the CCPA.

RCC stands for Registered Clinical Counsellor and represents certification and membership with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). At RCC, I have a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a wide range of associated certifications and specialized training and I have satisfied the BCACC’s clinical supervision requirements.

What are the risks and benefits of counselling and Psychotherapy?

The risks associated with therapy include painful or distressing feelings connected with past and/or present experiences and memories and a sense of vulnerability through sharing these experiences. The therapy process may also strain interpersonal relationships, especially those with a connection to relevant events and experiences. Be confident that the trust you place in me in sharing these experiences can be rewarded by many of the positive benefits associated with counselling and Psychotherapy. Although progress may be difficult to measure, I am confident that you may experience generalized feelings of hope and relief for taking the initial steps of seeking help. You may also, through the process of sharing, look for coping skills and a renewed sense of self-confidence. At some point, you may also expect to feel a reduction in levels of anxiety or depression, depending on the issues being addressed.

Is it possible to have an online or Zoom therapy session?

Yes, I offer services by email, Zoom or other internet-based platforms. Before commencing remote therapy, we would need to complete a standard medical history, consent form, and therapist-patient service agreement. Additionally, a discussion will need to take place regarding the technology used for sessions and the safety/security of the method.

Is there a complimentary consultation?

Finding the right counsellor can be difficult, and some people see a few different therapists before finding the right fit. I know how important it is that you as a client ‘click’ with your therapist, and therefore I offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation either over the phone, via Zoom, or at the office. This session is not a counselling session. It is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for us to get to know each other a bit.

Is counseling covered by MSP or Extended Benefits?

MSP does not cover clinical counselling, however most extended health plans do cover clinical counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) or Certified Clinical Counsellor (CCC) for up to a certain amount. Currently, we do not do direct billing to extended health care plans, so please check with your insurance provider for coverage and reimbursement.

How do I tell if a therapist is a good fit?

To properly assess how effective a therapist will be, I recommend looking for a therapist with good interpersonal qualities, someone you feel is trustworthy and has a working alliance with a borad range of clients. The therapist should be able to provide acceptable exlanations for a client’s anguish, and can create a workable treatment plan that the client can be hopeful about. The therapist must monitor the client’s progress and adjust the treatment as needed. The therapist must not avoid difficult material that therapy will cover, and can be able to adjust a client’s views to be optimistic and well-adjusted. The therapist in question must be able to work alongside any other treatments that the client is receiving and must realize that their own transference will effect therapy. The therapist must recognize existing research and new techniques as valid as well as take feedback from clients to help improve themselves as a service worker.