- Expertise in the specific issue you are interested in and the therapeutic modality used to resolve it
- Registration with a professional body or association to ensure observance of a professional code of ethics
- Find a good fit regarding the personality traits and style that make you feel comfortable
There are no risks when looking after our own wellbeing and development; however, you might experience some of the following:
- Emotional or physical fatigue after a session. It is recommendable to have some time to process the information discussed during the session.
- Sense of distress as a result of discussing or confronting sensitive personal issues, which tend to diffuse as the process progresses.
- Some changes might occur in your interaction with people close to you. This might need some time to adjust and will happen as the therapeutic process unfolds.
They are, according to PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act). However, in the following cases, a counsellor is required by law to disclose personal information:
- When it is revealed that a child is or may be at risk of abuse or neglect, or in need of protection.
- When you or another person is at clear risk of imminent harm.
- When disclosure is required or authorized by law.
Ideally yes for counselling.
In case of Financial Coaching, some sessions may take place over the over the phone. This service requires gathering information and placing it on templates that are submitted online. This alternative allows clients to save time in administrative tasks and maximize the space used for coaching purposes.
Counselling is effective within a context of trust and connection. During the first session the information gathered around your history, the issue that brings you to counselling and your goals will allow you to determine if the counsellor will be able to help you and if there is a “good fit” between the client and the clinician.
The number of sessions will vary on each individual case. Your counsellor will give you an idea of how many sessions you might need by the end of your first session.
Depending on each case, you and your counsellor can make a decision in this respect based on what makes more sense to you. Besides the frequency, maintaining continuity is relevant to get the best therapeutic results.
- Fees are set according to guidelines recommended by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, which you can find at: http://bc-counsellors.org/general/recommended-fee-schedule
- In specific cases fees may be determined based on the particular situation of a client
- Fees are due at the end of each session and are payable by cash, or cheque. Fees are subject to change with notice.
Several health care plans (Pacific Blue Cross, Great West Life, etc.) reimburse for the services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor. You will need to verify if your plan covers counselling sessions or not. If it does, you will need to pay the counselling session when you take it and then submit your invoice or receipt to your extended healthcare plan for reimbursement. The Medical Services Plan in BC (MSP) does not cover counselling sessions.
A 24 hours cancellation notice is required when you need to cancel your appointment. Otherwise you will be charged with a no-show fee, which is equal to the full session amount. The reason being is that the time reserved for your session cannot be used by other clients who also require counselling services
If clients arrive late, the session takes place and will end at the regular time originally scheduled. Clients in this case will be charged the full amount for the session.
