FAQs
-What is the difference between a counsellor and a psychotherapist?
Although Counselling and Psychotherapy overlap considerably, there are also recognized differences: Counsellors’ educational level can vary from a college diploma to a doctorate degree. Typically, counsellors pursue further professional development through a variety of courses and choose to specialize in one technique (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Art Therapy, Dialectical-Behavioral therapy, etc...), work with a specific population (couples and family, children, teens, adults only, etc...) and/or address a specific problem (anxiety, trauma, marital issues, etc.). It is generally assumed that counselling:
- Helps people identify problems and crises and encourages them to take positive steps to resolve these issues.
- Focuses on present and specific problems and situations
- Is action and behavior based
- Involves guidance, support, and education to help people identify and find solutions to current problems
Psychotherapists and counsellors are often grouped together and the terms are used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions. Although the terms counsellor and psychotherapist are not regulated in BC, it is understood that all psychotherapists are counsellors, but only some counsellors, are psychotherapists. It is generally assumed that psychotherapy:
- Helps people with psychological problems that have built up over the course of a long period of time
- Focuses on chronic or recurrent problems
- Takes into account overall patterns (“big picture” oriented) - In-depth focus on one’s internal world (thoughts/feelings/dreams/fantasies/physical sensations)
-Is Psychodynamic Psychotherapy an “evidence based” treatment?
Yes. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of psychodynamic therapy. Effect sizes for psychodynamic therapy are as large as those reported for other therapies that have been actively promoted as “empirically supported” and “evidence based.” In addition, patients who receive psychodynamic therapy maintain therapeutic gains and appear to continue to improve after treatment ends. Finally, non-psychodynamic therapies may be effective in part because the more skilled practitioners utilize techniques that have long been central to psychodynamic theory and practice. (Full article here)
-How do I start?
To start using my services, simply book your initial session. Your first appointment will last 90 minutes; it will give us enough time to discuss what your current concerns. Together, we’ll also review:
-Privacy and confidentiality
-Limits to confidentiality
-The cost of sessions
-Cancellation and rescheduling policies
-Medical and family history
-Other important agreements or considerations
-Any questions you may have
All subsequent sessions last 55 minutes.
-Is what I talk about private and confidential?
All information shared in your session is private and confidential except in the following instances:
-There is a risk of imminent danger to an identifiable third party or to self
-There is suspicion of child abuse or neglect
-A disclosure is ordered by a court
-There is reasonable belief that a health professional is guilty of sexual abuse
-There is reasonable belief that abuse or neglect of residents living in Long-Term Care Facilities or Retirement Homes is taking place
-You have agreed, in writing, to share information with another person (e.g., physician, family member, etc)
-What is the frequency of sessions and length of treatment?
The frequency of sessions is adjusted based on your needs and treatment goals. In all cases, you will be the one deciding the frequency of your sessions. The services I offer usually begin on a weekly basis.
-Counselling: most people opt for a weekly session for the course of their treatment. Overtime, as you improve, it is common to shift the therapy to a “maintenance phase”, usually bi-weekly or monthly.
-Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Generally, most people decide to increase the number of weekly sessions (up to 3 sessions/week), however, it is perfectly fine if you wish to continue with a single session/week.
-Supervision: bi-weekly or monthly sessions are the norm.
The frequency of sessions can be changed at any time. The length of treatment also greatly depends on your needs and goals as well as the type of therapy you would prefer. Generally speaking, once people commit to their therapy, counselling can last from a couple of months to a couple of years. Psychodynamic psychotherapy usually lasts from several months to several years.
-Will my health insurance cover your services?
My services are reimbursed by many health insurance and benefits plans that cover the services of a Registered Psychotherapist or Registered Counselling Supervisor. You are responsible, however, to verify this with your health insurance provider prior to your first session. You should ask them the following:
-Do you cover psychotherapy and/or counselling services?
-Do you cover Registered Psychotherapists/Counsellors or only Registered Psychologists?
-What is the total amount of coverage am I eligible for per year (e.g., $500/year)?
-How much is covered per session (e.g., 100%, up to a certain amount, etc.)
-Is a physician’s referral/note required?
-Is your practice framed by code of ethics? What if I want to make a complaint?
Yes. As a Registered Counselling Supervisor and Psychotherapist, I abide to the ethical practice standards of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada as well as the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Therapy may bring up feelings and emotions which are difficult to cope with. It is important that you feel able to discuss your concerns or raise questions you may have. Misunderstandings or uncomfortable topics may arise in our relationship and are not uncommon in the therapeutic process. If you are unhappy with any aspects of your treatment, I hope that you’ll talk about it with me so that I can respond to your concerns. I will take criticism seriously with care and respect.
If you believe that I have been unwilling to respond to your concerns, or that I have behaved unethically, you can contact the ACCT and/or the CRPO.
-Do you offer virtual/distance services?
Yes, I can provide my services through Zoom or phone session (in both cases, a wired connection is strongly advised). However, if you are a new patient or supervisee, I would suggest we meet in person for the first few sessions.
-What days are you available?
Office and virtual appointments are Sunday to Wednesday. In some cases, virtual appointments can be scheduled on Thursday and/or Friday.
-Do you work with couples?
Yes
