Frequently Asked Questions When Undertaking Counselling

Sometimes questions are more important than answers. - Nancy Willard

Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to see a counsellor?

You do NOT need a referral from a medical doctor for counselling. The most common route to counselling is self-referral by the client. Clients are also referred to us by their friends, family members, work colleagues as well as their own doctors. Many insurance companies require a consultation form for counselling to be reimbursed, please check with your insurance company if you are seeking reimbursement.

Is there a difference between counselling, therapy and coaching?

Yes, there are very distinct differences between the three. A qualified counsellor can provide coaching with a client's set of generally workplace and life skills and competencies that they desire to improve upon such as negotiating skills, management and leadership, presentation skills and other areas the counsellor and client identify. Counselling generally is provided again by a qualified counsellor in areas of empowering the client to seek insight, knowledge and subsequently self-initiated actions that address common challenges in life such as workplace stress, relationship conflict, parenting, sexuality, exercise and nutrition habits, self-esteem and confidence and others. Being in counselling does not necessarily mean there is a mental health disorder. Therapy on the other hand is generally provided by a master degree or doctorate degree qualified counsellor/psychologist who not only provides counselling or coaching, but in therapy, the therapist does address more serious mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders, substance abuse, self-harming, eating disorders, PTSD, transgender dysphoria, suicidal ideation, attachment and personality disorders. It is not uncommon with clients in therapy that they also see a medical doctor for collaborative support.

What can I expect in the first session?

The first session is generally an information gathering process that allows the client to share their goals as well their concerns/challenges they care to explore in their counselling. This session also allows client and counsellor to start the process of developing a safe, caring, private and confidential working relationship. Concurrently, the counsellor is utilizing being active listening, sensitive and respectful to the cultural values of the client, thus an unconditional positive regard without bias or judgment with the client and their life. Assessment, information gathering, and building a positive client-counsellor relationship are an ongoing process and can sometimes take several sessions before a clear set of goals and objectives have been realistically set.

How long are the counselling sessions?

The counselling session is set for fifty-five (55) minutes, meaning if the appointment time is 4:00 PM, the session will end by 4:55PM regardless what time the client arrives. Hence, it is important clients arrive on time to experience a full 60 minutes. Sessions can also be ninety (90) minutes long when requested or deemed necessary.

Is counselling something that lasts for years?

There are no time restrictions or limitation of the number of sessions for clients who come to counselling. Coming to counselling does not imply that one is "weak, bad or mad," instead, counselling is seen as an investment in one's well-being and overall personal and professional development. Clients are welcomed to continue their counselling as long as they desire. Many clients see counselling in the same way as going to the gym, a workout to improve one's health.

What are the fees you charge for counselling?

Our core values deeply believe that healthcare is a basic human right and we therefore strive to make our fees affordable and realistic. We have a sliding fee scale that we employ to set an affordable fee for individual, couple and family counselling sessions.

How often do I need to come to counselling?

Generally if there is an urgent or critical issue, counselling can sometimes be once a week. The most common counselling scheduling is usually one counselling session every two weeks.