What is clinical counselling?
Clinical counselling helps people improve their mental, emotional and physical health while encouraging positive relationships with self, others and the larger community. The building of a trusting and comfortable relationship between client(s) and counsellor is important as counselling may cover topics of distress, therefore questions or comments on the counselling process are invited at any time.
How many sessions will it take?
The answer is, it takes as long as it takes. Many clients report relief even after the first session as they finally have an empathic ear and place to deal with their concerns. Being truly heard can be incredibly healing. For specific concerns often clients attend roughly 6 – 10 sessions, but for more complex issues or for those looking to shift larger, lifelong patterns or beliefs, sessions continue until the client feels they no longer need them. I trust in my client’s judgement to know when they are done.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Therapy can help a person to gain a new understanding about his or her problems and to acquire new ways of coping with and solving those problems. Therapy can help a person to develop new skills and to change behaviour patterns. Therapy can contribute to an increased understanding of self and others.
Are there any risks of therapy?
While there are potential benefits to therapy, success is not guaranteed and there are potential risks. Therapy may stimulate memories, evoke strong feelings, and changes in awareness may alter one’s self-perceptions and ways of relating to others. Sometimes clients will feel worse before they feel better. This is especially a concern for trauma clients. A person needs to understand that therapy is a process and you can continually discuss any concerns you are having with your therapist.
Is everything we discuss confidential?
Information about counselling sessions will not be released to anyone without your informed, voluntary, and written consent.
Exceptions are:
- When you may be a danger to yourself or others
- When there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse of vulnerable persons, such as a child or elderly person
- When records are subpoenaed by court order
Every reasonable effort will be made to discuss these circumstances with you prior to the involvement of other professionals.
An additional exception may be made if the counselling is being paid for by a third party (such as an EAP or CVAP). This will be discussed with you at the onset of counselling.
Can I talk to you about anything?
Yes, please feel free to speak to me about anything you are dealing with. However I am not an expert in all fields so if it seems you would be better served in speaking with another helping professional, we will discuss a referral to that resource or work in tandem with other professionals to ensure you are receiving all the support you need.
I am struggling with a substance addiction; Can I still come to a session?
Absolutely. I only ask that clients are not affected by substances at the time of the counselling appointment. This typically requires that a client is sober for the 24 hours before the time of the appointment.
What is your cancellation policy?
24 hours notice on the previous business day must be given for the cancellation of appointments otherwise, the full session fee will be charged. For example, Monday appointments must be cancelled by mid-day Friday to avoid cancellation fee. There is a high demand for services and certain times of day, your session is reserved exclusively for you and therefore is not available to others.
My partner doesn’t want to come in for counselling, can I still come in and talk about my relationship?
Without a doubt. At the end of the day, even in relationships, we can only truly deal with ourselves, our actions and our feelings. Many clients have reported significant improvements in their relationships with others, both with intimate partners as well as with social or workplace relationships, from coming in for individual sessions.
