FAQs

Counselling provides a space and opportunity for you to explore behaviour, relationships, feelings, or thoughts that trouble you and cause difficulty in your life. Counselling is also a legitimate source of support in a crisis or during a difficult time. Therapy can bring deeper personal insight and awareness, better ways of understanding and coping with problems, and improve relationships. You should know; however, that counselling sometimes requires that you be willing to examine difficult topics or times in your life, to experience stronger than usual emotions, and to try out new and different behaviours.

While there are potential benefits to therapy, success is not guaranteed and there are potential risks. Therapy may stimulate memories, evoke strong feelings, and changes in awareness may alter your self-perception and ways of relating to others. Sometimes, you may feel worse before you feel better. Therapy is a process and you can continually discuss any concerns you are having with us.

The frequency of therapy depends upon your needs and goals. Together we will develop a plan that typically starts with weekly sessions that will be adjusted later based on your progress.

MSP does not cover psychotherapy fees but may be entirely or partially covered by your extended medical benefits, which recognize Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC or Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) or possibly deductible as a medical expense on income taxes. Please check your extended benefits plan for details of applicable coverage.

Your feelings of trust and comfort when working with a therapist should be your top priority. Book a consultation call to speak with a therapist to see if we are a good fit.

Fees are payable by credit card at the beginning of the session and a receipt is issued. A 48 hours’ notice must be given for the cancellation of appointments; otherwise, the full session fee will be charged. As there is a high demand for services, your time is reserved exclusively for you and is not available to others. Please see our fees page for more information.

Information about counselling sessions will not be released to anyone without your informed, voluntary, and written consent.

Exceptions are:

• When you may be a danger to yourself or others;
• When there is suspicion or disclosure of abuse of vulnerable persons, such as a child or elderly person;
• When records are subpoenaed by court order.

Every reasonable effort will be made to discuss these circumstances with you prior to the involvement of other professionals. An additional exception may be made if counselling has been paid for by a third party (such as an Employee Assistance Program). This will be discussed with you at the onset of counselling.