Question 1

How long will I have to wait for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I am currently not accepting new clients.  In positive news, head over to www.kelownaemdr.ca for a listing of counsellors who are available to see you.   
 
If you experiencing a crisis, please do one of the following:
 
Contact Crisis Centre at https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/ or 1.800.784.2433
Contact 911
Visit your nearest emergency room

Question 2

Is my counselling covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Counselling may be covered by extended health care plans.  Please check with your insurance provider about coverage of counselling services.  If counselling is not covered by a Certified Canadian Counsellor, it is usually a simple process to have this added to your plan.  I am happy to help you navigate this.

Question 3

What credentials do you have?

Accepted Answer

I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (C.C.C.) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA).  Having this designation requires that I have a Master’s level education in counselling along with an extensive supervised practicum. 
 
Currently, there is no regulatory body in British Columbia for counsellors.  This means I follow the CCPA’s code of ethics, standards of practice, and complaints procedures.  Please click here for more information.   
 
I am in good standing with the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association.

Question 4

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Hourly session fees are based in alignment with standard counselling rates in the province of British Columbia.  Fees are payable at the beginning of each appointment by E-transfer, cash, Visa, and Mastercard.  As of June 1, 2021 the rates are:
 
$160 + gst per 50 minute individual therapy session
$240 + gst per 80 minute individual therapy session
$160 + gst per hour for letters, forms, & clinical service, including legal services

My online booking system, Jane, will ask for your credit card information for your file for ease of payment.  Should you prefer to pay through E-transfer or cash, no problem!  I will happily accept those forms of payment and your credit card will not be charged.

Question 5

How long are appointments?

Accepted Answer

Initial counselling appointments are scheduled for 80 minutes, and subsequent counselling appointments are 50 minutes long.  I value your time and will make every effort to see you right on schedule.  I also ask for you to be on time as well.  This helps to create an effective counselling relationship.  There are also opportunities for 80 minute counselling appointments if you feel this is a better fit for you.

Question 6

What can I expect?

Accepted Answer

In the first session, we will go over a few things including:
 
What you can expect in the counselling process
The limits of confidentiality
Review policies on cancellation, lateness, and social media
Emergency contact information
Your hopes and goals
Review your background, such as your general life story, family background, and current relationships

By the end of the first or second session, I will share how I see us moving forward in a therapeutic relationship.

Question 7

What if counselling is not working?

Accepted Answer

Counselling may bring up uncomfortable feelings and give you the feeling that you are “moving backwards”. This is a very normal part of the counselling process and actually helps us to move forward in our lives. Many of my clients tell me how they have been able to make great changes in their lives by sitting with the uncomfortable feelings, although it was not pleasant at the time.
 
It is really important you feel absolutely comfortable with your counsellor. If you feel you’re not “connecting” with me – that is okay. I strongly encourage you to talk to me about this so we can explore what is not working for you. I will also provide resources on who may be a better fit for you.

Question 8

How many appointments will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions is dependent on your needs and goals for counselling. The range can be from 6 – 20 sessions.  I usually see clients every week or every other week depending on the nature of their needs. The time may lengthen in between sessions as you become more confident around your reasons for coming to counselling.

Question 9

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

You do not.

Question 10

Is our conversation private?

Accepted Answer

I treat our conversations with the utmost care and respect. There are a few instances when I cannot promise our conversations are just between you and I. That includes:
 
If the courts send me a subpoena for notes and/or to testify in a court of law
If you make a threat to seriously hurt yourself or someone else, I am obligated to report this to appropriate personnel, such as the police
If I believe a child is being abused or neglected, or has been in the past, I am obligated to report this to the appropriate personnel, such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development

I hold confidentiality as extremely important. If we happen to see each other outside of the office in our day-to-day lives, I will not acknowledge you to respect your privacy. You are welcome to say hello to me and I will say hello back!

Question 11

What happens if I can’t make our appointment?

Accepted Answer

As of June 1, 2021, you need to cancel within 2 business days. Otherwise, you will be charged for the full session fee. Your session time has been reserved especially for you, at your request. If I am able to fill your appointment time with another client, you will not be changed the cancellation fee.