HOW TO GET STARTED

Deciding to seek the support of a counsellor can be a difficult choice to make and even more difficult to carry through with.  This is why our primary goal is to create a space and situation that feels comfortable and safe.  The relationship that develops between you and your counsellor is very unique and built on trust, acceptance, complete non-judgement, and understanding. We encourage you to make an appointment or phone consultation to help decide for yourself if counselling is right for you at this time in your life.

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OPTIONAL PHONE CONSULTATION

Some individuals like to dive into the process and some are more cautious.   We encourage people who are interested in coming in for counselling, but are feeling cautious, to text, call or email to arrange a free 20 minute phone consultation.  Contact numbers for all counsellors are found below. The consultation is a chance for you to test the waters and ask yourself, “is this someone I feel comfortable talking with?”  In this conversation you can begin to share a bit about yourself and what you are struggling with. You may also feel free to ask questions.  After this conversation, if you feel you would like to continue, we will set up a time for your first full session.  It is our strong belief that finding a counsellor that you feel in harmony with is essential for you to fully benefit from the counselling process and if you do not sense the right fit then we will happily support and encourage your continued search for a better match.

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COUNSELLING SESSION

If you do decide to continue after the phone consultation or if you decide from the get go that you would like to begin with the first full hour long session, then the first step is for your counsellor to start understanding you as a person and also develop an understanding of what you would like to get out of the counselling process. You might want to use the time and space to process current stresses or losses or to understand patterns in your life.  You may want to focus on building skills in coping with life events or you may want to build healthier relationships with your partner or family members.  Or you might not have a clear idea of what you would like to focus on and that is great too! Whatever objectives (or not) you hold, we will help guide you in defining and meeting them.

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Our work as counsellors is informed by several theoretical frameworks, but above all else, we understand that each person is unique and wants to achieve something unique, so we approach each person with gentle curiosity to help understand this uniqueness and support the desired change and growth. Together, you and your counsellor will figure out what works best for you and help you to find what you are seeking whether it is relief, clarity, deeper understanding, or personal growth.

FAQ

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

In Squamish we will be opening in January 2020 and will be located in The Galleries Building at 41105 Tantalus Road in unit 122. Our space is near the north end of the building and visitor parking is available in the lot or on the street out front. 

In Vancouver we are located in the lovely community of Mount Pleasant. Our address is 3140 Main Street, near the northeast corner of Main at 16th Avenue. We also have a second Vancouver location at 3223 Main Street near the southwest corner of Main at 16th Avenue. Please check your confirmation email or check with your counsellor to confirm which location your appointment will take place. At both Vancouver locations, we share a space with our friends at Mount Pleasant Massage Therapy. There is plenty of street parking close by, the #3 bus stops right out front. There is a bike rack out front as well.

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HOW LONG IS A SESSION?

Sessions are 60 minutes long. Please be on time so we can get the most out of our time.

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HOW MANY SESSIONS CAN I EXPECT TO ATTEND?

The number of sessions depends on you.  Many people come to counselling with a specific issue they want to tackle and once they are feeling relief or more able to cope, they discontinue. Other's make counselling an ongoing part of their health regimen. 

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DO I NEED TO PREPARE ANYTHING FOR THE FIRST SESSION?

You do not need to prepare anything.  Many people like to keep a counselling journal where they note changes, observations or challenges between sessions and also use it as a place to record the gems that come up during session that he or she would like to hold onto when the session is over.

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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME IN?

This is also your choice and somewhat dependent on what you are seeking guidance with.  However, it is recommended that in most cases, at the beginning of the process, once per week or every two weeks is sufficient.  Leaving too much time between sessions can lead to the loss of momentum and motivation.  Therapy is like exercise in that progress will become more obvious if we take part regularly.  However, it is also beneficial to leave at least a few days between sessions so that you have time to digest the work that has been done and give it a chance to play out in life outside of the counselling room.

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WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Counselling fees are $125/session for individuals, $135 for relationship and family counselling. All rates are subject to 5% GST.  

You may pay by cash, e-transfer, cheque, credit card or debit. Many clients prefer to e-transfer before a session or have a credit card on file that I can process, so that after a session he or she is free to leave without worrying about payment.

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ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED?

Counselling offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors is often covered through extended medical plans.  Please check with your medical plan to see if you are covered.  A receipt with your counsellor's registration number will be provided for reimbursement. Direct billing for counselling is not an option yet in BC.

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IS WHAT WE TALK ABOUT CONFIDENTIAL?

What is spoken about is definitely confidential.  Establishing an environment of safety where you can share absolutely anything is a priority.  There is nothing that you can share, no matter how taboo or “abnormal” you, or society, feel it is, that we will not listen to and unconditionally accept non-judgementally.  We approach our work with open-minded curiosity and respect.  This being said, there are rare situations in which confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and these will be discussed at the beginning of the first session.

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WHAT TYPE OF COUNSELLING DO YOU PRACTICE?

We have training, education and experience in many different theories and approaches. We are happy to explain more about this in person or over the phone. It is one of our strongest beliefs that since everyone is unique, it is necessary that we borrow from many different theorists and utilize many different approaches depending on what feels like a best fit for an individual’s needs.  But, no matter what approaches we use, we believe that the therapeutic relationship that is developed with each client is the most vital component of success in counselling.

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WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR CHANGE AN APPOINTMENT?

If you cannot make it to a session, please cancel at least 24 hours ahead of time.  There are a limited number of appointment spaces available in a week and there are likely others who would like to use your appointment time.  However, it is difficult to fill the space within 24 hours of cancelling, so our policy is to charge the full price of a session for missed appointments or appointments that are cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment time.