FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Psychological counselling is an interactive process where you discuss personal areas that may be impacting different aspects of your life. Counselling provides the space and opportunity for you to explore behaviour, relationships, feelings, or thoughts which trouble you and cause difficulty in your life. Counselling is also a legitimate source of support in a crisis or during a difficult time. Counselling can bring deeper personal insight and awareness, better ways of understanding and coping with problems, and improved relationships.

Counselling can be of benefit for many people. Whatever struggles you are facing, speaking with a psychologist can help you gain a better understanding of yourself, clarify areas of concern, set priorities, establish workable goals, and implement change. Whether you are dealing with a mental health issue or have recently gone through a major life change, counselling can help you cope and work towards a healthier life.

No. Many people from all walks of life experience the benefits from counselling. While there is strong evidence for the effectiveness of counselling and psychotherapy in the treatment of psychological disorders (i.e., major depressive disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, etc.), counselling is also an effective and appropriate resource for every day difficulties (i.e., work stress, grief and loss, life transition, etc.). See a list of common topics that are often discussed in counselling.

After an initial consultation over the phone, we will setup our first session. The first session will help you clarify your concerns and identify potential next steps. This may include additional sessions with Carey. This will depend upon your interest in ongoing counselling and his capacity to help you work toward your goals for counselling. Alternatively, a referral may be made to other professionals in the community.

Counselling offers a safe environment to explore issues that may be interfering with your life and standing in the way of your goals. This process can be intense and sometimes invites you to examine difficult topics or times in your life. The process may also lead you to experience stronger than usual emotion and offer you opportunities to try out new responses. Carey will help you prepare for these experiences in the best way possible. Counselling also helps equip people with new tools and strategies for responding to life’s difficulties and for enhancing personal wellbeing.

The difference between a Psychologist and a Counsellor ultimately lies in the certification that they receive. In BC, Psychologists are registered through the College of Psychologists of British Columbia. Registration requires extensive, graduate level training within the core areas of psychology; typically fulfilled with a PhD. Registration also requires the successful completion of a series of examinations including two knowledge exams covering the core areas of psychology (including the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental disorders) and the ethics and legalities of providing psychological services along with an oral examination that assesses a person’s competency to practice psychology (i.e., assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders). “Psychologist” is a protected title and is regulated under the Health Professions Act.

“Counsellor” is an unprotected title that is not formally regulated and does not require specialized training. Consequently, counsellors have a range of educational backgrounds that may or may not include a master’s or doctoral level degree.

Both Psychologists and Counsellors can work effectively with a wide range of issues. However, due to the additional training and certification, Psychologists’ fees tend to be higher than Counsellors. The services of a Registered Psychologist are GST exempt and a tax-deductible medical expense.

Source: BC Psychology Association

Your commitment is crucial for success. It is important to be open, and honest with your psychologist and to work toward the goals you establish in the counselling process. The work you do outside counselling sessions is essential to achieving your goals. This may include thinking about the material covered in your sessions, monitoring the behaviours you want to change, practicing new skills, or working on specific assignments, such as keeping a journal or reading a book or article.

Fees are $220 per 50 minute session, payable at the end of each session.

We welcome payment via cash, cheque, or debit and also accept payment by VISA or Master Card.

Regrettably, not at the present. Psychological services are, however, covered by a number of extended health benefits plans including some plans through BlueCross, Great West Life, DA Townley, Manulife, and others. Psychological services are also GST exempt and a tax-deductible medical expense.

If you are unable to make your appointment, please contact 604.799.8868 as soon as possible. We require at least 24 hours notice, after which a cancellation fee may apply, up to half the amount of the session.