FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, we’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, Counselling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counselling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Each session is between 50-60, although some are 90 minutes. It is not possible to say how many sessions it will take to accomplish your goals, as everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. Some variables include your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counselling in the first place.

What does counselling cost?

The cost to see a practicum therapist (a person completing her/his Masters degree in Counselling who is acquiring experience hours for graduation and registration) is $45.

The cost to see a Therapeutic Counsellor (a Counsellor who has not yet obtained her/his registration or certification) or a Sr Therapeutic Counsellor (a registered or certified counsellor with one or more Masters degrees) is between $105 and $165 for those with one or more full-time employment income(s) in their household, and $85 for those without a full-time employment income.

Do you direct bill to insurance companies?

At this time we cannot direct bill, however we can issue you a receipt to submit. Only sessions with RCC and CCC counsellors can be submitted to insurance companies.

Reviews:

From a client of Sarah Shelin (Practicum Student-Comox/Virtual) 

I wanted to provide some feedback about my time with Sarah. I have worked in the Social Work/Social Services field for decades, I have worked along side therapists and also received therapy from a few different clinicians over the years. I wanted to express my opinion on how awesome Sarah was during our interactions. She was professional, kind, intuitive and had a way of asking the hard questions in a gentle way. The thing I found most impressive about Sarah was her ability to recall information from a session we had weeks and weeks before. Her ability to do this made me feel seen and safe, like she really was listening, like she was authentically in this with me. She was always prepared and focused. She truly helped me process this loss and some family trauma.I just wanted to let you know that my experience with Sarah was one of the best therapeutic experiences I have had to date. No doubt in my mind she will do amazing things with future clients. Thank you for the opportunity to work with Sarah.

Kind regards,

TD