Deciding to contact a counsellor or a therapist is a big decision. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that other people looking for a counsellor have asked – I hope that the answers assist you in making the decision that is right for you.
- What is counselling?
- How do I know if I will benefit from counselling?
- How can I find the best counsellor for me?
- Do you really offer a free half-hour consultation?
- How many therapy sessions will I need to have?
- Will everything I discuss be confidential?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Where is your practice located?
- What if I can’t come to your office – do you make house-calls or provide telephone counselling?
- Will your fees be covered by my health insurance?
- I have other questions that are not answered in this section:
What is counselling?
Counselling is an intentional process engaged in by people who are experiencing significant changes in their life such as the loss of a loved one or the end of a marriage. Through a relationship with a qualified counsellor people are given the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings in an environment that is non-judgemental and safe. And through this process they are encouraged to gain new perspectives, learn new ways of addressing challenges and work towards understanding the choices that are available to them.
How do I know if I will benefit from counselling?
If you are willing to engage in an ongoing relationship with a counsellor – then you will benefit from counselling! And if you are asking this question because you are feeling overwhelmed and not sure what to do next – then you have actually taken the first big step.People who benefit from counselling are self-aware, and are open to addressing their issues honestly. And because you have acknowledged that you need help and are now looking to see who would be the best person to help you – you will most likely benefit from a compassionate counselling relationship.
How can I find the best counsellor for me?
That is a great question! Counselling relationships are intimate relationships where you may share details of your life experience that you have never shared with anyone else. So having someone who you feel comfortable talking with and in whose presence you feel secure is very important. The best way to do this is to have a conversation with your prospective counsellors and see how you feel – trust your instincts!
Oh – And before you make the call it is important to check-out the credentials of the counsellor to ensure that they have the education, skill and experience to provide the counselling service that you need.
Do you really offer a free half-hour consultation?
Absolutely I do! I want to be able to talk to you too so that I can be sure that I have the experience to help you. A counselling relationship is a special relationship and I want you to be confident that this relationship can work right from the start.
How many therapy sessions will I need to have?
Everybody’s situation is unique and therefore the number of sessions that you will require will depend upon your unique situation – as well as your willingness to honestly and truthfully engage in the counselling relationship.
Will everything I discuss be confidential?
Yes, what you discuss with your counsellor is confidential and held in the strictest confidence.
There are however limits to confidentiality and in specific instances the counsellor is obliged to disclose what has transpired during a counselling session. These are the instances where the counsellor must report:
- A counsellor is required by law to report child abuse.
- A counsellors’ records can be subpoenaed by the Court or a counsellor may be called to testify in a court of law.
- A counsellor must take action if your life or somebody else’s life is in danger to ensure that you or the other party are kept safe.
With the exception of these specific instances anything that you say in a counselling session will remain confidential.
What is your cancellation policy?
Clients are encouraged to provide 24-hours notice if an appointment needs to be cancelled. At the discretion of the counsellor, you may be charged 50% of the professional fee if proper notice is not given.
Where is your practice located?
My practice is located in North Oakville, just west of Trafalgar Boulevard. As my office is a home based business, and to ensure confidentiality for my clients, the specific location of my office will be shared when we enter into a counselling relationship.
What if I can’t come to your office – do you make house-calls or provide telephone counselling?
While the preferred place to meet with a client is in my office, when the need arises and the situation warrants I do make visits to my client’s home. I also provide telephone counselling for those who are unable to travel to my office.
Will your fees be covered by my health insurance?
Many extended health plans cover the costs associated with counselling offered by professional social workers. It is the responsibility of each client to check with their insurance provider to see if the professional fees for counselling are covered.
I have other questions that are not answered in this section.
Please take the time to ask any question you may have through the e-mail link below. Be assured that all your inquires will go directly to Diane and will be held in the strictest confidence.
