FAQs

You likely have many questions or don't know what questions to ask. Here are a few common questions. If we haven't answered what's on your mind or if more come to mind, please reach out and we would love to speak with you!

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN MY FIRST COUNSELLING SESSION?

A first session is about building comfort, connection, and understanding. A first session is just a good conversation where your counsellor can start to get to know you and what life looks and feels like for you. We collaborate together to define what you would like to get out of your experience with counselling.

IS EVERYTHING WE TALK ABOUT IN COUNSELLING CONFIDENTIAL?

Confidentiality is a very important aspect of counselling that we take very, very seriously. Privacy and confidentiality are a standard of practice and a key tenet of our code of ethics. Yes, everything we talk about is confidential. Confidentiality includes all communication and session notes. There are some very rare and specific situations where confidentiality may have to be broken, but those situations will be clearly discussed in the first session.

HOW DO I KNOW IF A COUNSELLOR IS A GOOD FIT FOR ME?

We believe that finding a good fit in a counsellor is fundamental to your experience in counselling. You will know you’ve found a good fit when you are feeling heard and understood, when you have a comfort level that helps you to feel safe sharing and exploring.

Counsellors are people too, and we each have different life experiences, personalities, approaches and strengths. Finding a fit is primarily about the sense you get from the counsellor.

Every counsellor at Peak Experience Counselling offers a free 15-minute consultation call so you can start to get a feel for fit. You are welcome to have consultation calls with more than one counsellor, so you get to know different approaches and personalities.

HOW CAN I FIND A COUNSELLOR WHO OFFERS SESSIONS THAT ALIGN WITH MY SCHEDULE?

We have 13 counsellors in our group who offer sessions on different days and times in a week. Part of finding that good match is finding a counsellor who offers sessions when it works for you. Reach out and we can help you connect with someone whose offerings match your availability.

WHAT IF MY COUNSELLOR DOESN'T FEEL LIKE THE RIGHT FIT?

If you try a session and something doesn’t quite feel like a fit, that is not a problem! This can happen, and we know it’s no one’s fault. Some things to consider in this situation are: first, ask whether there is anything you would like to request of your counsellor. Maybe you would like to focus more on a particular area or leave with certain tools. We welcome feedback! Secondly, if you’re just not feeling it, reach out, and we can match you with someone else. Feelings will not be hurt 😊

WHAT IF I FEEL NERVOUS OR ANXIOUS TO START COUNSELLING?

It is absolutely normal to feel nervous going into your first session!

Talking to someone you don’t yet know about some very personal parts of your life can start off feeling quite scary. We know this. This is why we are conscious of making your first visit feel as safe as possible. As we said, it’s just a good conversation.

If there are things you don’t feel comfortable talking about right away, that is understandable, and we would never push you to discuss anything you are not comfortable discussing. With built trust and comfort, we will get to those conversations that feel more vulnerable.

Before you know it, you’ll be coming in, kicking off your shoes, grabbing a cup of tea and a blanket and looking forward to talking.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO GO TO COUNSELLING?

You cannot fail counselling! Your counsellor will likely have recommendations for the frequency of sessions. However, this is your journey. Some people have a handful of sessions to work through something in particular, and some make counselling an ongoing regular support in life. Mental health can be similar to physical health; regular practice means more strength and benefits.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT?

Counsellors are professional conversationalists, and nothing to talk about does not intimidate us! We, by nature and training, are a curious kind of animal. We will happily and with non-judgmental curiosity explore alongside you.

WHAT IF I WANT TO STOP COMING TO COUNSELLING?

That is absolutely your choice. This process is yours, and you are welcome to dissolve it when it feels right for you. It can be helpful to have this conversation with your counsellor, so the two of you have a chance to conclude in a helpful way.

If you do decide to step away from counselling, please know that you are always welcome back. It is usual that one piece of the work concludes, but down the road, when something challenging or new pops up in life, and you’d like to work through it, we are still here for you.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERAPY IS WORKING?

Therapy is partially what happens in the therapy room and largely what happens outside of the room. Change comes from what gets translated into our day-to-day life, into our awareness and into the tiny shifts we make. Therapy is “working” when there is translation starting to happen. It is most often the little shifts that matter. Big shifts can and do happen, but most of us have meaningful change in what at first feels like quite small ways. Be patient and observant.

ARE YOU LGBTQ+ AFFIRMING?

Definitely. Our space is a safe space for everyone in our community. We intend to have every person who walks through our door or enters our virtual space feel safe to be their full, authentic self.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH CULTURALLY SENSITIVE TOPICS?

With absolute humility, respect, safety, and curiosity.

WHAT IF I'M IN CRISIS OR NEED EMERGENCY SUPPORT?

As private practice counsellors, we are not usually available outside of sessions for emergencies. 9-8-8 is the emergency crisis line in BC. If you are at imminent risk, please go directly to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Private practice counselling is a fit for everyone, but if we feel we aren’t absolutely the best fit and more or different supports are going to be a better fit, then ethically, we will recommend other options.

ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Counselling offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC Lily Dias) or Registered Social Workers (Kelsey Wright) 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 an option through some insurance providers.

SOME PRACTICAL NEED TO KNOWS:

We are located in The Galleries Building at 41105 Tantalus Road in unit 122. Our space is on the front side of the building near the north end of the building.
Parking is available at the back of the building in visitor spaces or on the street out front. There is also an off-street bike rack outside our front door and a bus stop around the corner.
Sessions vary in length depending on the session type and therapist. Typically 50-90 minutes.
Fees also vary depending on the therapist and the session type.
Cancellation policy is 48 hours. If we cannot fill your space, we will charge for the late cancellation or missed appointment.