COUNSELLING FAQ

WHAT IS COUNSELLING LIKE?

It is normal to be a bit nervous prior to beginning counselling. Your counsellor is trained to provide you with a supportive, caring, and confidential space. Your relationship with your counsellor is different than talking with a friend or family member. Your counsellor will not talk about themselves and the session will be focused on you. Counselling DOES help! There is so much research that shows that counselling is beneficial. Your counsellor will get to know you, learn about your goals, will listen attentively, and will work with you to find solutions and growth. Your counsellor may use talk therapy and may also use expressive therapy techniques such as play, art, movement, or music, depending on your preferences. We will work with you to find the style and strategies that best suit YOU.

HOW DOES MY COUNSELLOR PROTECT MY CONFIDENTIALITY AND WHAT I SAY IN SESSIONS?

We store all information on a secure records system. The information you share with your counsellor is private and confidential, and in most cases, they will not share what you say with others. But, there are times when your counsellor has a legal obligation to break that confidentiality. Your counsellor will explain to you the limits to confidentiality, such as in the following situations:

• If your counsellor believes you intend to seriously harm yourself, or if you tell your counsellor about a person (of any age) or animal that is at risk for being harmed by your actions or by someone else, this information must be shared. If your counsellor believes you have a plan for suicide, appropriate legal authorities and family members will be notified.

• If you provide information that a child or vulnerable adult is being abused/neglected or has recently been abused, or is in danger of being abused, your counsellor will report this information to social services and/or legal authorities.

• if your therapist receives requests for information due to legal proceedings.

HOW DO I BOOK A COUNSELLING SESSION?

You can book your first session by emailing the counsellor directly at balancedmentalhealth@gmail.com. You may also reach out to the location where you would like to attend your services and book through them.

https://www.therapycollective.ca/contact

Subsequent sessions can be scheduled directly with your counsellor before the end of your appointment or online.

HOW MUCH DOES COUNSELLING COST?

We offer a FREE 15 Minute consultation meeting. Regular counselling fees for a standard 50-60 minute session are $235/session. In some cases, a sliding scale may be offered. Please speak to your counsellor to apply.

Typically we book weekly or bi-weekly at the beginning and then space them out over time as you move toward your goals.

CAN I SUBMIT MY RECEIPTS TO INSURANCE FOR REIMBURSEMENT?

Insurance typically cover services with a Canadian Certified Counsellor /Counselling Therapist. Verify your health insurance coverage by contacting your provider. Our clinic does not offer direct billing. We accept credit & debit card. Sliding Scale sessions are on a case by case basis (application)

It is important for you to verify coverage regarding your policy with your insurance company, preferably before booking if you are depending on coverage. It is your responsibility to understand the limitations of your plan. Should your sessions be covered by insurance, you will be required to pay the clinics upfront and submit receipts for reimbursement as we do not offer direct billing.

DO YOU OFFER COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, OR FAMILY COUNSELLING?

Yes! When we work with children, we work with the whole family. Both parents will need to provide written consent prior to beginning counselling with children/adolescents. We prefer that both parents be involved so that communication to/from parents is consistent, as this benefits the child most. Family counselling can benefit everyone, including siblings and parents. In cases of separation/divorce, both parents need to provide consent for services, or the parent enrolling the child in counselling needs to produce the most recent Court Order indicating that they have sole decision-making without the other parent and that they are unable to contact the other parent.

WHAT IS COUNSELLING FOR DANCERS/ARTISTS/ATHLETES LIKE?

Counselling for dancers/artists/athletes will be conducted much like a general mental health counselling session, but may incorporate movement, play, art, or somatic practices depending on the client's preference. It may focus on issues that are interfering with performance, or issues such as body image, negative thoughts, self-talk, confidence, etc. Often times, clients want to work on issues that are happening outside of their art/sport first and then begin working on improving their mental skills. Our counsellor has an extensive dance/arts background and is familiar with the unique needs and challenges that dancers, artists & athletes face. This counselling is holistic and addresses body & mind.

DO YOU OFFER VIRTUAL COUNSELLING?

We are able to offer both in-person and virtual counselling options. Virtual counselling is available to clients Canada-wide.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM UNHAPPY WITH MY COUNSELLOR OR SOMETHING IN MY COUNSELLING SESSION?

We value client feedback and collaboration very highly as we believe that it is important for counselling progress and the relationship with your counsellor. We utilize feedback informed treatment methods. If you are dissatisfied with any service your counsellor provided you, we encourage you to talk to your counsellor about it as it may present you with a powerful therapeutic opportunity for you and a chance for your counsellor to apologize and find a solution. Your counsellor will take your concerns seriously by listening to you and figuring out what to do to repair the situation. If you decide to end therapy, we believe there is often great therapeutic value if you tell your counsellor in person during a booked session that you have decided to discontinue therapy. Your counsellor would like to ensure a proper closure and provide you with resources or referrals you may want to access in the future.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS THAT WERE NOT ANSWERED IN THIS FAQ SHEET?

Please feel free to send an email to balancedmentalhealth@gmail.com to ask any other questions you may have or book a FREE 15-minute consult.