Questions people are asking about counselling
Do I need to be in crisis to see a counselor?
No. People come to counsel for all sorts of reasons, not just crises. Everything from grief, anxiety, life transitions, depression, stress or even just to have someone to talk to.
How do I know if my problems are serious enough for therapy?
Thinking that you have to be extremely broken or in trouble to go to counselling is normal but not true. Of course you can come when your problems are serious, but many people find benefit to go often so they feel supported, and they can explore their patterns, goals and relationships.
Can counselling help with stress, burnout, anxiety, or life transitions?
Yes! In fact stress and burnout often need the time and space to make sense of what happened and how we got there. Processing the story and figuring out all the angles can really help us figure out our lives and bring us back to feeling confident.
How much does counselling cost?
The cost of counselling varies from one counselor to another. At Free to be counselling the rate is $89 for individual and $105 for couples.
Is therapy covered by provincial health care?
Not for everybody. It depends on your personal extended plans. If youre not covered by a plan we will use a sliding scale to meet you wherever you are at in life.
Are there free or low-cost options available?
Yes! Free to be counselling has some of the lowest rates around, but we also have a sliding scale for anyone that needs it.
What happens in the first session?
In the first session with me its broken down in 3 sections. The first is explanation of the law, and how it protects you and your information. Secondly we do an informed consent and get basic information from you. And lastly you just tell me a story, whats going on in your life and journey.
What questions will they ask me?
Honestly that depends on the conversation. Every conversation is different so it can go in alot of directions. But no matter what question I ask you ,it will be for clarity. This clarity usually helps us get insights and understanding of our situations.
Do I need to prepare anything?
No. All you need to bring is your story and willingness to share.
Will I have to talk about traumatic experiences right away?
Actually No. In fact diving right into traumatic events can be frightening, triggering and unhelpful. A well trained therapist will take their time and only move as fast as the client is ready. Rushing this can be harmful.You need to feel safe with your therapist and able to explore your story.
Does counselling actually work?
Yes. For a lot of people they really find it helpful. It depends on the person and the expectations they have, and how much they can open up, and their willingness to explore themselves and confront the issues they face. But most people just find it helpful to be heard and understood without judgment.
How long before I notice results?
Everybody is different here. Some people have one session and they feel better. Some people will go for years and use it as a form of support for their lives. Everyone comes with different expectations and different goals. If youre looking for change then make sure you let the counselor know that you want more of a solution focus therapy.
How many sessions will I need?
This really depends on the individual. In my experience, people usually feel better after the first session, but start to see real life changes after a couple months.
Is counselling confidential?
YES! It has to be. Your information is protected by law. There are limits to confidentiality that are explained to you at the beginning, but other than that everything you say is confidential.
Will my employer find out?
No. Not unless you tell them or you have agreed to share your information with them.
Will my family know?
No. Only if you tell them, or if you give permission to share information with them. The only other way is if you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else, or someones property. This is called limits to confidentially which will be explained at the beginning of counselling session 1.
When can a counsellor legally break confidentiality?
The only way a counselor can break your confidence is if it breaks limits to confidentiality. For me there are 5.
- If you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or someone else or someones property.
- If i get subpoenaed
- If you give me permission to share with someone
- If its a crime against someone under 19, over 65, or a vulnerable person
- All information shared online is vulnerable.
Can counselling help with specific issues?
Yes! Counselling can help with many issues, including
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress and burnout
- Relationships and marriage
- Grief and loss
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Career and life-direction concerns and more!
Is virtual counselling as effective?
For sure. Studies have proven that online counselling can be just as effective as in person
How can I get started?
Its super easy. Just go to www.freetobecounselling.com and book whatever day and time that works for you.