Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? Us too! Here’s a few commonly asked questions about therapy, our practice, and what to expect.

Getting Started & Finding the Right Fit

  • Counselling is for anyone seeking support with their mental health, wanting greater clarity about their needs, or hoping to better understand themselves. It can help build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and explore patterns that may be affecting well-being, quality of life, or, at times, day-to-day functioning. You don’t need to be in crisis or have a specific goal to begin.

  • If something in your life feels heavy, confusing, or persistent, counselling can be a supportive place to explore it. Many people start simply because they want space to reflect and feel more grounded. Part of therapy is often working to find a direction in therapy itself.

  • Not at all. Counselling and psychotherapy are one part of mental health care, but they’re not the only option. Many people find support through a mix of things like medication, community or cultural connection, movement, creativity, spiritual practices, peer support, or changes to daily routines. Therapy can be a place to make sense of what’s going on and gently explore which supports feel most helpful for you at this point in your life.

  • No. Many people come to counselling for support with life experiences that don’t fit neatly into a diagnosis. Therapy doesn’t require labels to be meaningful or effective. If you do have a diagnosis, that can be a helpful place for you and your therapist to start.

  • Our therapists support concerns such as anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, trauma, family dynamics, performance pressure, intimacy and sexuality, neurodivergence, and major life transitions. (Link to areas of practice)

  • If you’re not sure who you’d like to work with, you can complete our matching form and we’ll help connect you with a therapist whose approach, experience, and values feel aligned. If you already have a specific therapist in mind, you’re welcome to book a session or consultation directly through our online booking system. (button to “book here” AND “get matched”)

  • Yes. You’re welcome to share preferences related to identity, lived experience, therapeutic style, or areas of focus. We take these requests seriously and do our best to honour them.

  • That’s very common. You don’t need a clear plan before starting. A first session or consultation can help clarify what support might look like for you.

  • We’ll suggest another therapist with similar experience or place you on a waitlist if that feels right. You’re never obligated to move forward if the fit doesn’t feel right. We honour your preference and choice at each step throughout the process.

What Counselling Is Like

  • The first session is a chance to get to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what’s bringing you in and what you’re hoping for, while also answering any questions you have about the process.

  • You’re welcome to share that with us. We’ll take time to understand what didn’t feel helpful and adjust our approach so therapy feels safer and more supportive this time. It’s our goal for you to feel safe and supported.

  • In short, BOTH! Some people come for focused, short-term support, while others choose ongoing counselling. The length of therapy is flexible and shaped collaboratively.

Fees, Coverage & Accessibility

  • Fees vary depending on the therapist and their level of training. Current rates are clearly listed when booking and on individual therapist profiles. (button to homepage “fees”)

  • Yes. We offer lower-cost counselling through our intern clinicians, who provide care under close supervision. More details are available on our Low-Cost Counselling page. (Button to low cost page)

  • Registered counsellors have completed their training and education and hold professional registration with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). Counselling interns are advanced trainees who offer high-quality care under supervision at a reduced fee while maintaining high-quality and informed care.

  • Many extended health plans provide coverage for counselling, though coverage varies by provider. We recommend checking directly with your insurer. Most insurance plans do not cover sessions with interns.

Scheduling, Session Format & Policies

  • Yes. We offer both in-person sessions at our office and online counselling for clients across British Columbia.

  • Many people find online counselling just as effective as in-person sessions, especially when flexibility or accessibility is important.

  • Our office location, along with transit and parking details, is listed on our Contact page. (link button to “contact us”)

  • In many cases, yes, depending on your therapist’s schedule and availability.

  • Many clients start with weekly sessions and adjust frequency over time based on their needs and goals. This conversation is a part of the first session with your therapist.

  • We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations/reschedules are subject to a cancellation fee.

Ethics, Identity-Affirming & Values-Based Care

  • Yes. Our practice is grounded in queer-affirming care that respects diverse identities, relationships, and lived experiences.

  • Yes. Many of our therapists have experience supporting consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and other relationship structures.

  • Absolutely. We work with neurodivergent clients in ways that honour different ways of thinking, feeling, and relating.

  • It means we actively consider power, privilege, and systemic factors in the therapy space, and work to create care that is respectful, collaborative, and culturally responsive.

  • Yes. Your sessions are confidential, and your information is protected. Confidentiality and its limitations are covered in your first session, where you can ask your counsellor questions.

  • Limits include situations involving serious risk of harm, abuse of a minor or vulnerable person, or court orders. Your therapist will review this clearly with you to make sure you have a clear understanding.

  • We use secure, encrypted systems and follow privacy legislation to protect your personal and clinical information. In BC, privacy is covered under under Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Hyperlink to: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/00_03063_01

  • Our therapists follow established professional ethical codes and standards of practice. As psychotherapy becomes a regulated health profession in British Columbia in 2027 under the Health Professions and Occupations Act, our practice is committed to meeting and exceeding evolving regulatory, ethical, and accountability standards. As registered clinical counsellors, we adhere to the Code of Ethical Conduct laid out by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).