Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ontario has a law that protects your personal health information (Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004). Personal health information includes identifying information such as a client’s name, address, phone number, emergency contact and family history, as well as clinical information such as psychological reports, medical and psychiatric diagnoses, reports to third parties and clinical progress notes.
Clinicians are legally and professionally obliged to protect personal health information. We collect this information in order to assess client needs and progress, to provide therapeutic services, to bill for services, and to communicate with both you and third parties as is necessary. The information that is collected is limited to what is necessary for ongoing treatment and the provision of care.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees of a company with professional and confidential counselling services. An EAP is offered as part of a benefits package to an employee. You can contact your Human Resources department to determine if you are covered.
Each person and situation are different and some may require short term or longer-term counselling depending on your goals. Generally, after 1 to 3 sessions you and your therapist will design a care plan together which will include an approximate number of sessions and what you are looking to accomplish during those sessions. Many clients will return at a later date to continue with counselling down the road.
The individual counselling process involves a helping, supportive and empowering relationship between two people. Typically, the relationship or rapport is one important part of what makes counselling successful. Counsellors assist individuals with expressing emotions, solving personal problems, and understanding oneself better. They also offer support, psychoeducation and resources.
For your first appointment, you will need to arrive a few minutes early and complete some standard forms. Your counsellor will then invite you into his or her office for a private consultation. You’ll have the chance to talk about what’s on your mind and explain what you want the counselling sessions to accomplish. The counsellor will ask you a variety of questions to get a better understanding of your situation in an effort to ensure your counselling experience is tailored to fit your needs. You and your counsellor will work together collaboratively to identify some goals and strategies to address your identified challenges.
Your counsellor will expect that you participate in sessions and contribute to the counselling process. It is helpful if you are, open and honest in exploring with the counsellor what is concerning you and what you would like to be different. Generally, counsellors will want to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and may provide you with tools or “homework” to help you overcome challenges.
Your counselling session will last between 45 and 60 minutes.
All of our counsellors are registered professionals with the Ontario College of Social Worker and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW), College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO), College of Psychologists Ontario (CPO) or College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
All Counsellors undergo regular clinical supervision and participate in ongoing professional development to ensure they are competent and current in the field
We always try to pair you with a counsellor who suites the reasons you are seeking counselling. If you have seen a particular counsellor before, then you will likely see the same person again unless you request to see someone else. If you would feel more comfortable talking to a male or female counsellor, please let us know during your initial phone call and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your request.
You should contact our office as soon as possible to cancel an appointment. Cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the appointment may be subject to a charge of $50.00. If you are going to be late for an appointment, please contact our office to advise the counsellor where possible. If you are late you will be charged for the full appointment and will only be able to see the counsellor for the scheduled time.
We will make every effort to respond to you as soon as possible. Our goal is to schedule you an appointment within 2-5 working days. In urgent situations, we may be able to arrange for you to see a counsellor on the same day that you call. Otherwise, we can recommend crisis supports that are available.
Most companies provide full coverage for several counselling sessions per year for the employee or a dependent. For more specific information about your coverage, please contact our offices.
Your company receives no information regarding your counselling or the use of your Employee Assistance Program.
Counselling is collaborative and about working together with your counsellor to achieve your determined goals. In the event that you do not feel it is a “good fit” or you do not connect with your counsellor please give us a call. We can revisit your needs and look at connecting you with another counsellor or offer you service at one of our other locations.
