General Questions

Starting counselling for the first time? Maybe you’ve seen another counsellor and would like to start fresh with someone new. It’s likely that you have some questions.

Because counsellors are not yet regulated in the province of BC, it is important to confirm that your counsellor is a member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Counsellors who are members of the BCACC are given the designation Registered Clinical Counsellor, or RCC. RCC’s have completed rigorous academic training at the graduate (Master’s degree) level, as well as clinical internships with supervision. They are accountable to the BCACC and the public through a Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards of Clinical Practice, and through complaints, investigations, and discipline procedures. See www.bc-counsellors.org for more information

In the first session, we collaborate on gathering information about your history current concerns, and goals for counselling. It is important that you experience our conversation as one in which you are heard, respected, and accepted without judgment. Our first session together will provide a roadmap for our work together. After this initial assessment we will get started! Our focus, and the therapeutic tools we utilize will depend on the nature of your concerns.

You will be asked to read and sign a consent form that outlines your rights, the limits of confidentiality, risks and benefits of counselling, and payment policy. You will be given an opportunity to ask any questions as well.

How long is the session?

Each counselling session is 50 min. Lifespan Integration therapy sessions are longer.

The short answer is yes! If you have made it to the site, then chances are you have been contemplating with the idea of seeing a counsellor. It’s also likely that you have been dealing with whatever the issue is on your own for a while now.

Most people seeking counselling believe they have exhausted their resources: Self-help books, past coping techniques, and friends or family are no longer helpful. A counsellor provides an objective stance, a fresh perspective, and a confidential, safe space in which you will be deeply heard and supported, enabling you to explore issues that may cause you emotional pain. Working with a therapist can help you gain insight and learn new strategies for dealing with life’s challenges.

Or call us at (604) 305-0104, and we can discuss if we would be a good fit!

Counselling is strictly confidential. No information that you disclose to us in counselling will be shared with anyone else without your permission. However, there are some exceptions to this rule as required by law. However these circumstances are rare and will be discussed in our initial session.

The short answer is yes. As with all things, there are no absolute guarantees. Counselling is not a magic cure and there is generally no quick fix to any of life’s concerns and problems. The collaboration of counsellor and client has the power to truly be life changing. That being said, this will take some work on your part as the client, but do not worry, we are in this together and will be there every step of the way.

The length of time you wish to spend in therapy will depend on your unique needs and goals. We offer both short-term solution-focused therapy for issues that may be resolved in a few (less than six) sessions, as well as longer-term options for clients whose concerns are more complex, deep-rooted, or chronic. We will work collaboratively with you to help you develop your counselling goals.

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