Clinical Counselling is a partnership between a counsellor and a client, who work together to reach agreed-upon goals and outcomes. Counselling involves the assessment, engagement, and treatment of cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and relational distress, delivered through structured communication within a therapeutic relationship of care. It is a process that takes place over time and aims to promote new skills, healing, comfort, and clarification to support the enrichment of one’s life. It requires that you, the client, be an active participant in the process.

The advantages of counselling can include: 

• More fulfilling relationships 
• Solutions to specific problems/issues 
• Increased sense of well-being and/or self 
• Reduction of distressing symptoms 
• Improved health 

Why Should I See a Clinical Counsellor?

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, “Mental health is a concept similar to physical health. Mental health refers to a state of well-being and includes our emotions, feelings of connection to others, our thoughts, and being able to manage life’s highs and lows.  In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness (July 19, 2021).” 

Have you noticed any of the following: 

1. 1. Are you quick to temper or easily irritable? 
   2. Do you cycle between happiness and sadness? 
   3. Have you lost interest in activities/relationships you once enjoyed? 
   4. Do you have difficulty getting started on an activity or following through on tasks? 
   5. Have you noticed changes in your sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little)? 
   6. Have you noticed changes in your appetite?  

Answering yes to any of these questions could indicate that you would benefit from the support of a clinical counsellor.  

What treatment methods/approaches are used by clinical counsellors? 

The counselling process is a means to attain and maintain your mental health by helping you learn more about how you process thoughts and emotions, identify your maladaptive behaviour patterns, and develop adaptive tools/strategies to empower you with long-term solutions to navigate the inevitability of life’s changes. Our counsellors individualize their approach and treatment plans for every client.    

Extended Health Plans:
Most extended health care plans cover clinical counselling services, usually between $200-500 per year. We encourage you to clarify coverage with your benefits provider directly. 

In-person & Telehealth Fees (Includes GST):
Initial Individual Counselling Session (60 Minutes): $190
Individual Subsequent SessionVisit (50 Minutes):  $155
Individual Subsequent Session (80 Minutes): $230

What Should I Know Before My First Counselling Session? 

Prior to your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a confidential intake form. Our counsellors work from the biopsychosocial model. Therefore, we consider all aspects of any individual’s health, including lifestyle, environmental factors, and family dynamics. It is recommended that you fill out the intake form beforehand as it is quite thorough and will assist us in starting to understand what brings you into counselling.  

What Can I Expect on My First and Second Visits? 

An hour is put aside for your first visit and your clinical counsellor will review your intake form and answer any questions you may have about your potential counsellor or the counselling process. The first visit is primarily an information-gathering visit. At the end of the visit, the clinical counsellor may recommend the completion of health questionnaires or a homework assignment to be completed over the next week. 

The second visit is typically booked one week after the first visit. During the second visit, your clinical counsellor will complete any portions of the intake form which was not previously completed or discussed, review your health questionnaires and/or homework assignments, as applicable. Your clinical counsellor and yourself may then collaboratively develop a treatment plan, which could include frequency of sessions, goal setting and/or therapeutic modality review. Alternatively, you may elect to keep sessions flexible and adaptable to what you have experienced between sessions or are experiencing that day. It is important to acknowledge that this is your journey and you can tailor the direction of that journey.  

Cancellation Policy

We require 24 hours notice when cancelling an appointment. We charge a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the treatment fee to all late cancellations and no-show appointments. We urge you to call the clinic as soon as you know to avoid a cancellation fee.