FAQs
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
In Vancouver we are lucky to share space with Counselling On Main and Mount Pleasant Massage Therapy. We have two offices in the lovely community of Mount Pleasant. Our address is 3140 Main Street, near the northeast corner of Main at 16th Avenue. We also have a second Vancouver location at 3223 Main Street near the southwest corner of Main at 16th Avenue. Please check with your counsellor to confirm which location your appointment will take place.
HOW LONG IS A SESSION?
Individual and family sessions are 50 minutes long. Couple sessions are 60 minutes long. 75 minute & 90 minute appointments are also available. Please be on time so we can get the most out of our time.
HOW MANY SESSIONS CAN I EXPECT TO ATTEND?
The number of sessions depends on you. Many people come to counselling with a specific issue they want to tackle and once they are feeling relief or more able to cope, they discontinue. Other's make counselling an ongoing part of their health regimen.
DO I NEED TO PREPARE ANYTHING FOR THE FIRST SESSION?
You do not need to prepare anything. Many people like to keep a counselling journal where they note changes, observations or challenges between sessions and also use it as a place to record new awarenesses that come up during session that they would like to hold onto when the session is over.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME IN?
This is also your choice and somewhat dependent on what you are seeking guidance with. However, it is recommended that in most cases, at the beginning of the process, once per week or every two weeks is sufficient. Leaving too much time between sessions can lead to the loss of momentum and motivation. Therapy is like exercise in that progress will become more obvious if we take part regularly. However, it is also beneficial to leave at least a few days between sessions so that you have time to digest the work that has been done and give it a chance to play out in life outside of the counselling room.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?
Counselling fees are $145/session for individuals (50 min), $170 for couple sessions (60 min) and $160 for family counselling (50 min). All rates are subject to 5% GST. Services offered by interns who are completing a Masters in counselling program are $70 +GST.
You may add your credit card to your Jane profile (which is our online booking system). This is the most secure and efficient way to make your payment. If you are seeing your counsellor in-person, you may pay cash as well. Or you can pay via e-transfer. E-transfers are required prior to appointments.
ARE YOUR SERVICES COVERED?
Counselling offered by Registered Clinical Counsellors is often covered through extended medical plans. Please check with your medical plan to see if you are covered. A receipt with your counsellor's registration number will be provided for reimbursement.
IS WHAT WE TALK ABOUT CONFIDENTIAL?
What is spoken about is definitely confidential (expect in the rare case of concern by the therapist that someone is in immediate danger). Establishing an environment of safety where you can share absolutely anything is a priority. Everything that you share, no matter how taboo or “abnormal” you, or society, feel it is, we will listen to and unconditionally accept non-judgmentally. We approach our work with open-minded curiosity and respect.
WHAT TYPE OF COUNSELLING DO YOU PRACTICE?
Since we are a collective, we have training, education and experience in many different theories and approaches. Some of the approaches are Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioral, Somatic, Acceptance and Commitment, Emotion-Focused, to name a few. We are happy to explain more about this in person or over the phone. No matter what approaches we use, we believe that the therapeutic relationship that is developed with each client is the most vital component of success in counselling. For information specific to a therapist you would like to connect with please browse their bio above or feel free to reach out. We'd love to hear from you!
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR CHANGE AN APPOINTMENT?
If you cannot make it to a session, please cancel at least 48 hours ahead of time. There are a limited number of appointment spaces available in a week and there are likely others who would like to use your appointment time. However, it is difficult to fill the space within 48 hours of cancelling, so our policy is to charge the full price of a session for missed appointments or appointments that are cancelled within 48 hours of the appointment time.